ISCHIA PONTE
Latest page update: 1 December 2024
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Home to without doubt the most iconic symbol of Ischia, Castello Aragonese, Ischia Ponte provides its visitors with a stunning glimpse of the past as the fortress that has stood for two thousand years comes into view.
The castle is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside, casting a captivating shadow at the altar of the historic village centre. The castle is connected to the island by a stone bridge across to the huge rock on which the medieval citadel was built, allowing visitors the chance to wander around inside. |
Ischia Ponte
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Ischia Ponte - frazione di Ischia
Within the castle grounds it's possible to enjoy some of the spectacular views across to the islands of Capri, Procida and Vivara with the imposing presence of Mount Vesuvius on the mainland acting as an intriguing backdrop.
The area around the castle is a fascinating series of winding streets with fishermen's houses, traditional grocery stores, bars, restaurants and shops. Many first-time visitors to Ischia Ponte may be confused as the piazza in front of the castle will look vaguely familiar. The reason for this is that it's been used in various big budget Hollywood movie productions, most notably the classic Cleopatra starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and more recently with contemporary stars Jude Law, Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow co-starring in the Talented Mr Ripley. It's still a cause of mild consternation to some islanders that the area was re-named "Mongibello" in the film, the reason for which is unclear but there's no mistaking the beguiling scenery that Ischia Ponte provides in these two films and others too.
Ischia Ponte is the neighbouring village to the slightly larger Ischia Porto which can be reached from there on foot in about 10-15 minutes, mainly along a scenic walk beside the sea, starting from La Mandra Beach and then along to Fisherman's Beach before reaching Ischia Porto's own shopping district, Corso Vittoria Colonna.
Standing from the top of the castle and looking back down on the main village area provides one of the best views on the island and if gazing out to the left you will find Cartaromana Bay with its collection of seafront hotels and restaurants. The Cartaromana area is also home to the tower with two names, "Torre di Michelangelo" and "Torre di Guevara" which these days acts as a cultural centre for events and exhibitions but years ago served as a home to the ruling Aragonese family after whom the castle is named.
Perhaps the two most exciting times to visit Ischia Ponte are during June and July when the village is first the host to the annual Ischia Film Festival and then the centrepiece of the action as the dramatic Festa di Sant'Anna is acted out with its visually impressive climax, a simulation of the castle being on fire after it was bombed by a marauding army centuries ago.
The area around the castle is a fascinating series of winding streets with fishermen's houses, traditional grocery stores, bars, restaurants and shops. Many first-time visitors to Ischia Ponte may be confused as the piazza in front of the castle will look vaguely familiar. The reason for this is that it's been used in various big budget Hollywood movie productions, most notably the classic Cleopatra starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, and more recently with contemporary stars Jude Law, Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow co-starring in the Talented Mr Ripley. It's still a cause of mild consternation to some islanders that the area was re-named "Mongibello" in the film, the reason for which is unclear but there's no mistaking the beguiling scenery that Ischia Ponte provides in these two films and others too.
Ischia Ponte is the neighbouring village to the slightly larger Ischia Porto which can be reached from there on foot in about 10-15 minutes, mainly along a scenic walk beside the sea, starting from La Mandra Beach and then along to Fisherman's Beach before reaching Ischia Porto's own shopping district, Corso Vittoria Colonna.
Standing from the top of the castle and looking back down on the main village area provides one of the best views on the island and if gazing out to the left you will find Cartaromana Bay with its collection of seafront hotels and restaurants. The Cartaromana area is also home to the tower with two names, "Torre di Michelangelo" and "Torre di Guevara" which these days acts as a cultural centre for events and exhibitions but years ago served as a home to the ruling Aragonese family after whom the castle is named.
Perhaps the two most exciting times to visit Ischia Ponte are during June and July when the village is first the host to the annual Ischia Film Festival and then the centrepiece of the action as the dramatic Festa di Sant'Anna is acted out with its visually impressive climax, a simulation of the castle being on fire after it was bombed by a marauding army centuries ago.
