:: Ischia Ponte ::
The historic centre of the eastern part of the island, Ischia Ponte developed after the population
had moved back ashore from the fortified islet of the Castello Aragonese, after the threat of pirate
raids ended in the late 17th century
:: Ischia Ponte - the third cathedral ::
Over the years there have been three cathedrals on the island of Ischia.
The first one was swept away, along with all other traces of the inland settlement of Geronda, during the early 14th century when an enormous lava flow erupted from Mount Arso and spilled down to the sea.
The second - constructed on the fortified islet of the Castello Aragonese - was brought to
ruins by the cannons of the British fleet, firing at French troops stationed there in 1809.
In 1810, a church in the centre of Ischia Ponte, dedicated in the C14th to Santa Maria della Scala but subsequently rebuilt at least twice - which had been the centre of an Augustinian monastery until the order's suppression in 1808 - was elevated to the status of cathedral, the "Cattedrale dell' Assunta".
:: The Aragonese castle - Ischia ::
Click on either of these pictures to see images of, or in, the Castello Aragonese
And yes - the same "Aragons" as the Catherine who married England's King Henry VIIIth
:: Ischia Porto ::
The port was created from a volcanic crater lake that once contained only brackish water.
It was opened to the sea in 1854, and at the end of the gallery there are pictures showing the fireworks,
and procession of historic ships, that celebrated the event's 150th Anniversary on 17th September 2004.
Click on the individual pictures for larger versions, or use the Slideshow link - at top right
25-JUN-2011
Just how far apart are Porto and Ponte?
People often ask - but it's not very far at all!
Almost all of the city of Ischia in one photo, shot from
the Easyjet as it flew over at 16:50 local time - some 15
minutes early, thanks to a strong tail wind.
After quite a wait for baggage, made up for by a fast taxi ride
to Beverello, just in time for the 17:55 Caremar hydrofoil...
and for being home a little after 19:00 - 2 hours or so.
If only they lived up to their name, and offered parachutes!
08-FEB-2010
Ischia Porto and Ischia Ponte
28-OCT-2011
Ischia Porto and Ponte
The red "X" marks the Hotel Durrueli
Taken from the excellent "StradaNapoli" - a spiralbound
map book covering Naples and its surroundings, as well
as the Bay's three islands... ISBN - 9 788886 782074
29-MAR-2009
The coat of arms of the city of Ischia
By decree of the President of the Republic signed by Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and countersigned by
Silvio Berlusconi and Registered in the Office of Honours and Heraldry on the 15/02/06 it is
established that: Granted to the City of Ischia in the Province of Naples a crest and banner
described as follows:
Coat of Arms: on a sky background, on the Italian mount of 15 hills, five pieces, then 4, 3, 2, 1,
embroidered in gold, surmounted by an ancient crown with five visible points. Under the shield, on
a forked banner and floating across the sky, the motto, in capital black letters, ISCLA FIDELITATIS
AETERNAE. Exterior ornaments of the city.
Banner: Yellow cloth with a light blue border, richly decorated in gold embroidery and carrying
the crest described above with the inscription in the centre in gold, bearing the name of the
city. The metal parts and the cords are golden. The vertical pole will be covered in velvet with
the colours of the drape, alternating, with gold tacks positioned in a spiral. On the shaft there
will be represented the coat of arms of the city and on its stalk carved the name. A tie with
ribbons of the national colours fringed in gold.
