4K Ischia Ponte Walking Tour & Castello Aragonese | City Walk on the Island of Ischia, Italy

4K Ischia Ponte Walking Tour & Castello Aragonese | City Walk on the Island of Ischia, Italy

Welcome to the island of Ischia, located in the northern end of the Gulf of Naples. This beach is known as Spiaggia dei Pescatori—Fishermen’s Beach—a calm bay lined with small fishing boats and low surf. The beach was once the heart of a small fishing village. Locals launched wooden boats and dried nets here for centuries. I actually started filming this walk at the Port, but when I got here I decided this is a better starting location. Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, covering about 46 square kilometers and home to around 60,000 people. The island is divided into six municipalities: Ischia, Casamicciola Terme, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana, and Barano. Ischia is of volcanic origin and famous for its natural hot springs, lush landscapes, and historic architecture. In the background stands Castello Aragonese, the island’s most iconic landmark, perched on a rocky islet. The rock supporting the castle was formed by a volcanic eruption over 300,000 years ago, later shaped into a fortress. Ischia was settled by Greeks from Euboea in the 8th century BC, making it one of the earliest Greek colonies in Italy. From Fishermen’s Beach, the path leads east toward Ischia Ponte, the island’s historic core and oldest continuously inhabited area. In ancient times, this shoreline saw constant movement of traders, soldiers, monks, and seafarers between the castle and port. The fishing tradition here dates back to Roman times, when this coastline supported small maritime communities and trade routes. Beyond the beach, whitewashed homes and arches reflect Ischia’s Mediterranean style, built to resist heat and salt air. During the Middle Ages, this waterfront was patrolled by sentries from the castle, watching for Saracen raids from the sea. Today, Ischia is known for its thermal spas, beautiful beaches, and traditional crafts, including ceramics and liqueurs. One of Ischia’s most unique liqueurs is Rucolino, made from wild arugula, citrus peel, and island herbs. These Rucolino shops can be found all over the island. One of the main Rucolino shops on the island is Ischia Sapori. Visitors can sample Rucolino at the shop, often served cold as a bittersweet digestif after a meal. This is Via Seminario, a narrow street leading through the heart of the old town, lined with homes, chapels, and shops. The street name recalls the seminary once located here. Many priests and scholars lived in this area during the 18th century. Via Seminario was once part of a religious district, home to small monasteries, chapels, and theological schools. The buildings here feature traditional Ischian architecture: volcanic stone, white facades, and arched walkways. Throughout the centuries, this narrow lane carried priests, merchants, and fishermen between the castle and the port. Small grocers, bakeries, and craft shops still serve the community, preserving a way of life unchanged for generations. The bright pastel buildings here date from the 18th and 19th centuries, rebuilt after earthquakes and pirate raids. This street, Via Luigi Mazzella, was named for the 19th-century mayor who championed island sanitation and public works. Notice the carved stone wellhead to your left—one of several that supplied fresh spring water to the old quarter before modern piping. Directly ahead stands the Palazzo dell’Orologio, built circa 1759 as the town hall with its clock and public fountain. Today it houses the Sea Museum, opened in 1996, showcasing three floors of maritime relics—from fishermen’s tools and model boats to Roman artifacts Most of the museum’s artifacts were donated by local fishermen, capturing generations of island life tied to the sea. Coming up is Piazza Aragonese, a small square named after the Aragonese dynasty that ruled Ischia from the 15th century. This piazza was once the town’s social hub, where locals gathered to hear proclamations, trade news, and host processions. Many of the buildings here have volcanic tuff foundations—lightweight yet strong, ideal for earthquake-prone areas like Ischia. We will soon take a full tour around the Castello Aragonese. In 1503, this square and nearby pier were fortified as part of a broader plan to defend the island from Turkish and Barbary raids. Even today, the church bells from nearby chapels mark time with tones that have echoed across the bay for centuries. This is the Lungomare Aragonese, a seaside promenade offering views of the castle and open sea. Say hello to some fellow Prowalk Tour fans! 🙂 It was great to meet you all. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip. The road ends up ahead, but there are some steps and another road that lead back to Via Luigi Mazzella. In the distance is the island of Procida. The Lungomare Aragonese was once a dirt path used by locals to reach the castle. It was paved and widened in the 20th century. At night, the Lungomare glows with lanterns and reflections from the castle, creating one of the island’s most romantic views. Now approaching the Aragonese Pier, rebuilt several times since the 18th century to withstand storm surges and rising tides. Here at the Piazzale delle Alghe is where seaweed once washed ashore in great quantities and was collected for use in farming. This area was also a gathering spot for women rinsing laundry and children playing in the shallow surf on warm summer days. Now approaching Ponte Aragonese, the stone bridge connecting Ischia Ponte to the castle. It was built in 1441 by Alfonso of Aragon. Before the bridge, a wooden drawbridge allowed access. During storms, waves would isolate the castle completely. The bridge was designed to allow defenders to control who entered the fortified islet—crucial during centuries of invasions. The castle sits atop a volcanic plug, a hardened remnant of a 300,000-year-old eruption. It rises nearly 113 meters above the sea. Over the centuries, the island fortress has housed kings, monks, prisoners, and even entire villages during times of siege. This bridge, or ‘ponte’ in Italian, is the inspiration for the name change of the small town of Ischia Ponte. The current castle and ramparts were built mainly between the 14th and 17th centuries. The first castle on the small island is believe to have been built in 474 BC by Hiero I of Syracuse. At that time it was known as Castrum Gironis (Castle of Hiero). At that time however, the large volcanic rock wasn’t an island at all, but rather the tip of a peninsula. The eruption of Monteagnone in 150 AD caused the ground level to lower and the castle became isolated from the rest of the island. The Romans arrived here around 315 BC and founded the city of Aenaria here at the foot of the castle. While there is no evidence of a Roman fortification on the island, it is believed the Romans used the towering rock as a defensive fort. In the late 1970’s, a modern elevator was installed in the rock to provide a more practical means for visitors to reach the top. Control of the island was constantly changing hands from the Normans to the Swabians to the Angevins and eventually to the Aragonese. In 1422, the Queen of Naples, Joan II gave the island to her adopted so, Alfonso V of Aragon. It was Alfonso of Aragon who was responsible for the digging out this tunnel as well as building the stone bridge. Alfonso, known also as Alfonso the Magnanimous, eventually became King of Naples and was one of the most influential figures of the early Renaissance. The skylights in the ceiling not only let in light but allowed boiling pitch and stones to be dropped on approaching enemies. Before the construction of this tunnel, there was an external staircase that lead directly from the sea up to the castle. Alfonso died in 1458 and his son Ferdinano I became his successor. His son, Ferdinand II, eventually rose to power but left control of the island to Innico d’Avalos around 1495. It was during this time under the Aragonese and d’Avalos dynasties that the castle reached its greatest period of cultural influence. It looks like a beautiful sunny day out there….but the clouds are going to quickly roll in turning the sky white. In 1509, Vittoria Colonna and Fernando d’Avalos were married at the ancient Cathedral in the castle. The princess, Vittoria Colonna, was a famous poet of the Renaissance and lived here until 1536. Fernando d’Avalos died in 1525, leaving Princess Colonna widowed and childless in her thirties. Vittoria met Michelangelo in the 1530s and the went on to have a very close long lasting friendship. This cathedral was built to replace the original cathedral on the main island after it was damaged in an eruption in 1301. The cathedral was the location of Vittoria Colonna’s wedding in 1509. In 1809, the castle was heavily damaged in clashes between the Bourbon and French forces and this cathedral was largely destroyed. This cathedral was built on top of the original castle cathedral which was later turned into a crypt. This was the original chapel, built between the 11th and 12th century. Many of the paintings are linked to the noble families buried here in the crypt. Now we are going to walk up to the convent and Church of the Immacolata. The doorway on our right is the entrance to the elevator. This church was built in 1737 on the site of a former chapel. It was an expensive church to build and the money ran out before it could be finished. This is why the walls are all white. If I weren’t filming, I’d probably stop here for a coffee and a break..but have to keep going! 🙂 This was the Convent of Saint Maria della Consolazione, established in 1575. The convent housed 40 nuns from the Order of the Poor Clares who were mainly the daughters of noble families. The peak in the distance is Mount Epomeo, the highest mountain on the island. The convent was shut down in 1810 as a result of the secularization law enacted by Gioacchino Murat, King of Naples. The remaining nuns, numbering 16, relocated first to the palace of the Lanfreschi marquises in Ischia Ponte. These are not toilets. This room houses a series of walled draining seats on which the lifeless bodies were placed. The corpses’ flesh slowly decomposed, their fluids drained into special vases below. Finally, the dried-out skeletons would brought up to the ossuary. Nuns would spend hours every day down here in prayer. They would often get sick due to poor ventilation. We are now going to walk over to the Casa del Sole, “House of Sun.” At its peak, there were about 2000 families living here on the island and a total of 13 churches. This old structure houses some remains of ancient periods and pieces of modern art. Where did the blue sky go? It was just here! By the mid-17th century, Ischia was becoming more politically stable and there was less of a need for the residents to live on the small island. The Spanish gained control of the island the population of the island continued to decrease to just 250 residents by 1637. By 1773, that number had decreased to just 63. By the way, the cost to visit the castle is €12. It is open 7 days a week, all year, from 9am until sunset. The last ticket is sold 90 minutes before sunset. Guided tours are also available. Casa del Sole was one of the sunniest points in the castle – once reserved for guests and now used for cultural exhibitions. Its rooftop terrace provides sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This girl seemed to be visiting Ischia by herself. She spent a lot of time taking selfies. 🙂 Continuing along the path, you arrive at the Church of San Pietro a Pantaniello, built over Roman ruins in the 15th century. Dedicated to Saint Peter, the church is octagonal in design, reflecting Renaissance ideals of symmetry and divine proportion. This hexagonal church first opened its doors in 1564. Inside, visitors once found frescoes and altars funded by local noble families seeking favor and salvation. Near the church is the Wine Cellar, where barrels were stored in cool volcanic chambers that naturally maintained humidity. Wine was pressed using large stone mills and aged in tuff-hewn vaults—essential for both the castle’s residents and monastic orders. This area of the castle was the most self-sufficient—home to presses, storerooms, and gardens growing herbs and produce. Moving into Millstone Alley, you walk along ancient grooves in the stone where carts once rolled barrels and grain. By the end of the 18th century, the Spanish had turned the castle into a political prison. Prisoners were often kept in cramped, damp conditions, with little light and only seawater for washing. The castle was nearly destroyed in 1809 in a battle between the Spanish and the French. With the castle nearly destroyed, the island lost all defensive functions and was used as a residence for retired soldiers. The Spanish continued to use this area as a prison up until 1860 when Ischia joined the Kingdom of Italy. Nearby, the Olive Terrace provided food and oil for the castle. Olive trees were planted in rows across the sunlit slopes. These groves were tended by both monks and laypeople. The oil was used for cooking, lighting, and religious rituals. From here you can see the Gulf of Gaeta down to the Lattary Mountains above the Amalfi Coast. Straight ahead is the island of Procida. The stronghold above the garden was built in 1441 by Alfonso of Aragon. It is closed to the public. The cafe up ahead is located at the highest point on the island. From this terrace, guests can dine surrounded by centuries-old walls, facing views that once signaled safety—or approaching fleets. In 1912, the island was auctioned off to a private individual who used the island as his private residence. The new owner, Nicola Mattera, made a long series of restorations of the surviving ruins. Approaching the far side of the castle, the path narrows again as you reach lesser-known chapels and lookout towers along the perimeter. This church was built in the early 16th century and the congregation was made up of Ischia fishermen. Though modest in size, its single nave and delicate altar reflect the spiritual life that permeated even daily routines. The church was restored in the early 20th century and is still used for occasional services and special ceremonies today. Now following the Footpath of the Sun, this narrow route hugs the southern edge of the islet and is exposed to sunlight year-round. Monks and guards once patrolled this trail daily, monitoring ships and collecting herbs from terraced gardens along the slope. Along the edges are a variety of trees including olive, bay, carob, fig, medlar, pomegranate and ailanthus. These steep, uneven steps linked the fortress’s upper and lower levels—vital during sieges when movement had to be fast and hidden. Midway down the steps is the Church of the Madonna della Libera, a humble sanctuary for sailors praying for safe passage. Libera means “deliverer,” and the church was a popular site for votive offerings by families awaiting the return of loved ones at sea. In 1967, the state imposed a ban on any new construction on the island and deemed it a national monument. This church was built in the 12 century. This path is named after the towering trees that now line the ancient walkway where sentries once stood watch. The alley served as a shaded corridor between key defense points, offering both cover and a place to rest between shifts. Today, the heirs of Nicola Mattera take care of the castle and continue his mission of restoration. There is also a hotel here on the island, the Albergo Il Monastero. It is one of the top rated locations on the island. A standard double room costs around $440 per night. This is the lower side of the House of the Sun. From here, you loop back toward the Balcony of the Temple, closing the circuit of inner castle walls once critical to Ischia’s defense. We are now going to exit and walk back down to the bridge. As you can see, Ischia is a large island and not one you explore all in one visit. Most likely, you will arrive by ferry at Ischia Porto. To get here from the port, it takes about 40 minutes to walk. To visit the other towns on the island you will most likely take the bus. One of the main attractions on the island for locals and tourists are the amazing beaches and thermal spas. In some cases, you can visit a thermal spa and beach at the same time. You can sit in the sand at the beach while steam is coming out of the ground. Although I’ve never tried it, I’ve heard you can boil eggs at one of the beaches here just by burying it in the sand. Just a reminder, this tunnel was chiseled into the rock in 1441. I planned to continue the walk, but with skies this cloudy, I chose to come back on a clearer day. New day, new camera. This bridge is 722 feet (220m) long. Another great way to experience the island is by boat. You can either rent your own boat or book a tour. You will find everything you need at Ischia Porto, rentals, bus, etc, but it does feel like a hub rather than a destination. I think my favorite place to visit on the island is Sant, Angelo. It takes about an hour to get there by bus however so it’s not very convenient to visit. I used an ND filter on my Sony camera lens while filming this part of the walk. I am not sure if it helped or not. This is a sculpture of Vittoria Colonna, crafted in late 2023 by Italian artist Giovanni De Angelis. It was installed at the square’s center following a 2018 petition and honors Colonna’s deep connection to the castle, where she lived and thrived as a renowned 16th-century poet and noblewoman Vittoria Colonna (1492–1547) was a close friend of Michelangelo and played a significant role in the cultural and political life of the Kingdom of Naples. As Marchioness of Pescara, she spent around 35 years at Castello Aragonese, hosting a literary salon that attracted major Renaissance intellectuals . So when you walk by that bust, you’re not just looking at a figure—it’s a tribute to one of the castle’s most influential historical residents, whose poetry and patronage left a cultural legacy still felt on Ischia today. Where is everyone? I thought Italy and Europe were having over tourism problems? Those pictures and videos you see online of mass tourism are real…but it’s not like that every day..or even all day. Sometimes, a cruise ship arrives and a town gets filled 20,000 tourists for a few hours. The next day, the cruise ship leaves and the city goes back to it’s regular tourism levels. Turning now onto Via Giovanni da Procida, named for a medieval nobleman who plotted the Sicilian Vespers uprising in 1282. The Naples soccer ..I mean, football, team recently won their second Italian crown in three years, and fourth overall. I had to stop here and get some gelato and rest for a while. 🙂 The buildings here were rebuilt many times—after pirate raids, earthquakes, and even Allied bombing in World War II. Despite these trials, Ischia Ponte has kept its quiet character, anchored by devotion, community, and the enduring sea. Anyone else from Monongahela, Pennsylvania? Thank you for joining this walk through Ischia Ponte and Castello Aragonese. May it bring a sense of calm, wonder, and connection. For more walking tours, history, and views from around the world, subscribe to the Prowalk Tours channel. Feel free to share your thoughts or favorite moments from the walk in the comments below. If you enjoyed this walk, please leave a LIKE on the video. It really helps out my channel! Thank you! Until next time, may your steps—wherever they take you—bring new discoveries and peaceful reflections.

📅 *Filmed on* Tuesday, June 10th, 2025.
🌞 *Weather* 33°C | 92°F 🌡
🗺️ *Map of the Walk* https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1RUKDjWV8ZXC8CRJy6kGgHnNIgJvcmrc&usp=sharing 🗺️

🔻𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀🔻
*PART 1 – ISCHIA PONTE*
0:00 Intro and Map
0:51 Fishermen’s Beach
15:57 Via Seminario
19:33 Via Luigi Mazzella
24:12 Piazza Aragonese
26:17 Lungomare Aragonese
30:34 Aragonese Pier
34:55 Piazzale Delle Alghe
37:25 Ponte Aragonese
*PART 2 – CASTELLO ARAGONESE*
40:12 Castello Aragonese
47:47 Balcony of the Temple
48:35 Cathedral of the Assunta
51:08 Crypt of Nobles
54:43 Terrace of the Immacolata
55:37 Church of the Immacolata
58:52 Convent of S. Maria della Consolazione
59:39 Belvedere of the Convent
1:01:00 Nuns’ Cemetery
1:06:02 Casa del Sole
1:17:08 Church of San Pietro a Pantaniello
1:17:48 Wine Cellar
1:18:35 Millstone Alley
1:19:41 Burbon Prison
1:21:33 Olive Terrace
1:25:04 Il Terrazzo Restaurant
1:29:50 Church of San Maria delle Grazie
1:32:39 Footpath of the Sun
1:34:11 San Cristofaro Steps
1:36:31 Church of the Madonna della Libera
1:37:15 Ailanthus Alley
1:40:23 Balcony of the Temple
1:43:33 House of Sun
*PART 3 – ISCHIA PONTE*
1:50:33 Ponte Aragonese
1:58:13 Piazzale Aragonese
1:59:11 Via Luigi Mazzella
2:02:27 Via Giovanni da Procida
2:05:55 Lungomare Aragonese
2:10:27 Via Seminario
2:17:14 Fishermen’s Beach

Explore the timeless beauty of Ischia Ponte, the historic heart of Ischia, Italy, in this peaceful 4K walking tour. Beginning at Fishermen’s Beach, this walk takes you through ancient alleys, past centuries-old churches, artisan shops, and along the scenic Lungomare Aragonese, with stunning views of Castello Aragonese.

The tour includes a full visit to Castello Aragonese, one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Wander through its medieval halls, churches, gardens, and crypts while learning about its deep connection to monks, nobles, and poets like Vittoria Colonna.

🎧 No talking — just the natural sounds of footsteps, birds, and the sea.

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