The island of Ischia is the largest of the Flegrean islands, archipelago located in the Gulf of Naples, also comprising Procida, Nisida e Vivara. After Sicilia e Sardinia, Ischia is the third largest island in Italy by inhabitants, even if only the eighth by surface. Ischia also takes the nickname of Green Island, due to the color of the tuff present on the Mount Epomeo. This mountain, high 789m was born about 100.000 years ago, is located in the center of the island and is the symbol of Ischia. Like many other islands in the Mediterranean, Ischia also has one millennial history, forged by centuries of colonizations, first of all the Greek one. The island is best known for its hot Springs, whose waters have various beneficial effects on the body. The thermal baths bring thousands of tourists to Ischia every year, but the Flegrean island offers much more. Isola is indeed full of history, culture and, of course, good food.

Origin of the name

The ancient name of Ischia was Pithecusa (monkey island). This name derives from the myth of Cebodies, two brigand twins, transformed by Zeus into apes after they tried to deceive him. However, the interpretation of Pliny the Elder, according to which the name of the colony derives from "Pytos”(Ie a large terracotta jar), due to the production of amphorae in the Gulf of Naples and throughout the Italian peninsula. The name Ischia could come from the Phoenician "I-schra"(Black island). The first traces of this name, however, are found during the Angevin domination. Pope Leo III in a letter a Charlemagne he quoted it with the name of "Isla major".

Historical notes

The first evidence of human settlements on the island of Ischia dates back to 3.500 BC In 755 BC the first settled there Greek colonists for the strategic position of the island in the center of the Mediterranean (as happened for the Aeolian Islands). In this way the colonists could exploit the island for trade and exchanges with the Etruscans and Phoenicians. Later the island was also populated by the latter, becoming a real one multi-ethnic center of antiquity. Very important to retrace the history of Ischia was the discovery of the "cup of Nestor". This was found by the German archaeologist Giorgio Buchner in 1953, during the excavations in the necropolis of San Montano a Lacco Ameno. The cup dates back to 725 BC and the very first example of Greek poetry in the world is engraved there.

Ischia Island - Nestor's Cup at the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae (Lacco Ameno)
Photo: © Marcus Cyron - Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Starting from XNUMXth century BC, Ischia passed several centuries under the roman domain. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire (476 AD), the island was dominated by Visigoths, Vandals and by Ostrogoths di Theodoric the Great. Around 536 was conquered by Byzantines and, in the ninth century, plundered by the Saracens. Over the centuries Ischia suffered new attacks and invasions. In the 1301 the inhabitants temporarily abandoned it due to a earthquake which destroyed part of the island. Those were also the years of the Angevin domination, which at the time ruled over the Kingdom of Naples. In 1422, the queen Joan II of Anjou-Durazzo gave Ischia to his son (adoptive) Alfonso V of Aragon.

The Aragonese dominion on the island remained firm, even when Charles VIII of Anjou conquered Naples in 1495. Ferdinand II of Aragon he then entrusted the island to Innico II d'Avalos, who had rejected the French. The Avalos dynasty reigned on the island until the first half of the eighteenth century, when it then passed to the Bourbon (1734). Finally in 1860, during the Risorgimento uprisings, Garibaldi landed in Ischia and the island was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy.

Thermal springs of the island of Ischia

Ischia is also famous for its thermal springs of alkaline waters. In the territory of the municipality of Ischia is the basin of "Stove and Fountain"(Ie the former Bagni d'Ischia). Among the best known springs there are also those of Casamicciola Terme with basins "Gurgitello","La Rita","Of Castiglione"and "Del Cotto or Sinigaglia". At the springs of Lacco Ameno instead there is the basin "Returned Santa". In the territory of Forio instead we find the sources of Zither and Agnone. Here are the basin "Cotugno-Castaldi-Castiglione”, The source in the bay of Sorgeto and in the beach of Saint Francis. Finally a They cheat is the source of theOlmitello.

The thermal waters of Ischia have been exploited since ancient times (especially in Roman times) for their healing and regenerating properties. The various springs on the island are salsoiodic alkaline with the presence, among other things, of sulfur, football, magnesium e iron (depends on the areas). The spas of Ischia are excellent to care for rheumatism, arthritis, rhinitis, problems withcardiovascular system, respiratory, cutaneous (toning for the skin and anti-inflammatory), but also for problems gynecological and nervous system.

Island of Ischia - Borgo Sant'Angelo

What to see on the island of Ischia

One of the very first things to do in Ischia is to visit the Source of Nitrodi a Barano d'Ischia. It is the only thermal spring with drinking water (useful for treating gastritis and similar problems). Another unmissable place is the Bay of Sorgeto in Ischia (municipality), reachable after having faced 234 steps. However, the beauty of Ischia does not stop only at the beaches or spas. Characteristic for example is the Aragonese Castle, fortified citadel on the islet connected to the town of Ischia. The first castle was born in 474 BC at the behest of Gerone of Syracuse. The modern structure was built instead during the reign of Alfonso V of Aragon. Also interesting are the Tower, the Mortella Gardens , Soccorso church a Forio o Sant'Angelo d'Ischia, a fishing village in Serrara Fontana. Finally, do not miss the Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae a Lacco Ameno which retains the aforementioned cup of Nestor.

Aragonese Castle of Ischia

What to eat in Ischia

THEGreen Island, in addition to local cuisine, it offers various typical dishes of the regional cuisine. Despite being on an island, with a great abundance of fish, the most representative dish of Ischia is certainly the Ischian rabbit. This is prepared with tomatoes, garlic, wine and basil. With the sauce you then get a tasty first course (usually using bucatini). Typical is also the Gypsy from Ischia, or a sandwich made with two slices of toast stuffed with mayonnaise, tomatoes, mozzarella, salad and raw ham. Of course there are also typical dishes such as spaghetti with clams, frying of paranza, pasta beans and mussels, gnocchi alla sorrentina and much more.

Ischia is a paradise, not only for the eyes, but also for the heart. The largest of the Flegrean islands it is a continuous discovery, which fascinates the tourist and satisfies all the senses. Although the spas are certainly the flagship of Ischia, this island has a lot to offer and it is impossible not to fall in love with it at first glance.

Ischia Island: thermal paradise overlooking the Gulf of Naples last edit: 2022-08-19T09:30:00+02:00 da Antonello Ciccarello

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