Aragonese Castle

Aragonese Castle (Italian: Castello Aragonese) is a medieval castle next to Ischia (one of the Phlegraean Islands), at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, Italy. The castle stands on a volcanic rocky islet that connects to the larger island of Ischia by a causeway (Ponte Aragonese).

The Aragonese Castle is the most impressive historical monument in Ischia, built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC. At the same time, two towers were built to control enemy fleets' movements. The rock was then occupied by Parthenopeans (the ancient inhabitants of Naples). In 326 BC the fortress was captured by Romans, and then again by the Parthenopeans. In 1441 Alfonso V of Aragon connected the rock to the island with a stone bridge instead of the prior wood bridge, and fortified the walls in order to defend the inhabitants against the raids of pirates.

Around 1700, about 2000 families lived on the islet, including a Poor Clares convent, an abbey of Basilian monks (of the Greek Orthodox Church), the bishop and the seminar, the prince with a military garrison. There were also thirteen churches. In 1809, the British troops laid siege to the island, under the French command, and shelled to destroy almost completely. In 1912, the Castle was sold to a private owner. Today the castle is the most visited monument of the island.

It is accessed through a tunnel with large openings which let the light enter. Along the tunnel there is a small chapel consecrated to John Joseph of the Cross (San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce), the patron saint of the island. A more comfortable access is also possible with a modern lift. After arriving outside, it is possible to visit the Church of the Immacolata and the Cathedral of Assunta. The first was built in 1737 on the location of a smaller chapel dedicated to Saint Francis, and closed after the suppression of Convents in 1806 as well as the nunnery of the Clarisses.

The Aragonese Castle of the Ischia is open all year round, every day of the week, from 9am till sunset.

See also

  • List of castles in Italy
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S W
25 August 2019
Well worth a visit. Took lift up (hot day!) and walked the 2.5 km down. Meandered thought castle, ruins chapels cellars. The torture chamber is not for the faint hearted!
Katja M.
11 October 2014
Entry is €10 (cash only), maps are available. Find the church with playing music in it and relax.
Jennifer von Ohankasberg
You think 10€ is quite a lot? Its worth it! This place is heaven on earth
michelasonia maietta
5 April 2018
Costruito alla metà della 400 su un piccolo isolotto dagli aragonesi è sicuramente una meta interessante. Collegato alla terraferma da un pontile in pietra al tramonto è estremamente suggestivo
michelasonia maietta
5 April 2018
Costruito alla metà del 400 dagli aragonesi su di un isolotto attaccato alla terraferma da un pontile in pietra è sicuramente una metà suggestiva da vedere soprattutto al tramonto
Gino Peraro
25 August 2014
Imperdibile per chiunque visiti Ischia. Dal 79 a.C. l'insula Minor è legata a doppio filo alla vita e alla storia di Ischia. Il Castello così bello dal'500 grazie ad Alfonso V d'Aragona VISITATELO.
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Map
0.4km from Ponte Aragonese, 80077 Ischia Naples, Italy Get directions
Sun 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Mon 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Tue 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
Wed 11:00 AM–10:00 PM
Thu 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Fri 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

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