Aragonese Castle, Ischia

Aragonese Castle is located near the Ischia island, on a volcanic rock within Campania region. This islet is bounded by the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Naples. Castello Aragonese is enclosed by a wall and situated on 113 meters above the sea level. The Ischia island is connected to the castle with the Aragonese bridge (220 meters long), built in the 15th century. Today Aragonese Castle is considered to be a private property opened to the public. The castle and its constructions total cover an area of 56000 square meters.

History of Aragonese Castle

First mentions of fortresses on the rocks near the Ischia island dates back to 474 BC. It was built during the reign of Hiero I of Syracuse. After a while, the castle was captured by Romans. This place witnessed many events that left many marks on it.

Since 1004 the island belonged to German emperor Henry II until Roger II, the King of Sicily, took control over it in 1130. In the 14th century, when the castle was in possession of dukes of Anjou, the tower called Maschio was built (it is well-preserved, but closed for visitors). In 16th & 17th-century noble family d'Avalos were the owners of the fortress.

In the 1700s, up to 2000 families were residing in the castle. The inhabitants hid from the pirates here. In 1800s, the English took over the castle that previously belonged to the French. The construction was severely damaged because of that. Subsequently, a prison was built, and it existed till 1860. In 1912, the abandoned place was sold at auction. Descendants of the lawyer that bought Aragonese Castle still own it.

Sights to see at Aragonese Castle

The territory of the castle is huge. This place is also called island on an island. At the time, many monasteries, churches, and houses were constructed within the area. This is a real town inside the fortress; you can discover lots of interesting places wandering through it. The naturally lit tunnel will lead you to the castle.

If you happen to come here, you might want to visit these places:

The Church of the Immaculate Conception (the Order of Saint Clare).
Nun’s Cemetery located near the Church of the Immaculate Conception. A specific burial methods. Some people call this place “the sitting cemetery.”
The San Pietro a Pantaniello Church built in the 16th century.
Terrace of olive trees.
The Church of the Madonna Libera.
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie built in the 14th century.
Noblemen crypt which is dedicated to Saint Peter and located at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Castle tunnel which is 6 meters wide and 18 meters high. At one point, it was the only way to enter the castle. Later an elevator was installed here in the 1970s.
The Aragonese bridge itself is considered to be an attraction.
Island’s observation decks – for instance, the terrace of the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which overlooks Saint Ann’s Bay.
Terraces of cafes and restaurants that can boast views on sunny Ischia island.

Walls of Aragonese Castle offer panoramic views, which are especially stunning in daylight. In the evening the citadel becomes an awe-inspiring sight with the help of powerful spotlights.

How to get there

You can get to Aragonese Castle from Porto di Ischia, if you take bus №7 (15-minute drive) or if you walk, which will take 30 minutes.

Opening hours: the castle is open daily from 09:00 till 16:00 during wintertime and till 20:00 during summertime. Entrance fee required. The ticket costs 10 Euros as of December 2017. Cafes and restaurants work different hours. You will need around 3 hours to explore the castle fully.