As we began our fourth day in Ischia, we noticed a sculpture of a sunbather, on a patch of grass, alongside the road. The Hotel Villa Maria is a three-star hotel, set in a liberty-style building that dates from the 1920s. The poster below is advertising a drink called Rucolino, a delicious local digestivo, similar…
Author: rchabala
I am 56 years old. I live in New York City and for the last 11 years, have been traveling to Italy at least twice every year. I love everything Italian. From the art and museums to the people, to the incredible food, my heart skips a beat when I think of Italy, and the many places and things that I've been lucky enough to experience. Now, I want to share my excitement and passion with the world. I will take you to both major Italian cities, and small mountain villages. I will talk about things to do in these places, and places to explore which are off of the beaten path. I will also talk about the restaurants that I've dined in, and the places that I lay my head down in, while staying in each of these locations.
Ischia Porto – Day 3 – Part 4 – Dining on Top of the Island
The Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, or the Church of Holy Mary of Grace, dates from the early 1500s. The church is also known as the Chiesa della Madonna della Punta, or Our Lady of the Point, because of its location on the island. It served as a place of worship, for the fishermen…
Ischia Porto – Day 3 – Part 3 – Exploring the Castle Grounds
Be sure to head downstairs, to the cathedral’s Crypt of Nobles! It dates from the 11th century. The walls feature the remains of ancient frescoes, dating back to the 13th century. The Casa del Sole is a building that was originally part of the ancient castle, but now, it hosts modern art, as well as…
Ischia Porto – Day 3 – Part 2 – The Castello Aragonese
The Castello Aragonese is one sight that everyone, visiting the island of Ischia, should try and see! Parts of the complex date back to the 4th century BC. It was given its current name in the 1400s, when the small island, on which the castle sits, became the property of Alfonso I of Aragon. Much…
Ischia Porto – Day 3 – Part 1 – Walking and Eating
For our third day in Ischia, our plan was to slowly make our way over to the Castello Aragonese. It is an easy and lovely walk, from the port area to the castle, and so, we began wandering along the main street of the town, headed in that direction. The sculpture titled “Gesù, Fate Luce,”…
Ischia Porto – Day 2 – Part 2 – A Church and An Old Thermal Spa
The Monumento al Redentore, or the Monument to the Redeemer, dates from 1903. It was designed by the engineer, Francesco Fusco, but the actual carrying out of the design was done by the engineer, Luigi Parisi. It sits in a small square, Piazza del Redentore, in front of the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Portosalvo….
Ischia Porto – Day 2 – Part 1 – A Walk in the Park
Our second day in Ischia Porto began with a walk around the port area. The “Bocca Vecchia” is an old bridge, dating from 1670, which connected the port area with what, at the time, was part of a naval yard, and today, it hosts a nice park. The old bridge is used for autos and…
Ischia Porto – Day 1 – Part 2 – Getting to Know the Area
We had two doors leading out to our private deck/patio: One was from the living room, while the other, the one to the left, led to the bedroom. We had our own two loungers, as well as a table with an umbrella. It was lovely! After getting settled in, we headed out to explore a…
Ischia Porto – Day 1 – Part 1 – Goodbye, Naples, and Hello, Ischia!
Our last evening in Naples was a nice one! We walked back over to the small group of restaurants and bars that surround the base of Castel dell’Ovo, and had our aperitivo, drink and snacks before dinner. The next morning, after breakfast, we gathered our luggage, and headed to the port area, to catch a…
Naples – Day 4 – Part 5 – Fried Food and Sun
Once we had finished our visit of the interior of the Palazzo Reale, we headed outside, to see the courtyards and gardens! In one of the courtyards, you can see sculptures of horses by Mimmo Paladino, which look as if they are struggling to free themselves from the earth. Just off Via Cesario Console, in…
Naples – Day 4 – Part 4 – A Palace, a Nativity, and A Caravaggio
There are over thirty rooms that make up the visitor’s path in the Palazzo Reale, and so, I recommend giving yourself at least an hour and a half to enjoy it. In one room, there was a fascinating machine that resembled a sort of Ferris wheel for books! The Cappella Reale, or the Royal Chapel,…
Naples – Day 4 – Part 3 – Rooms of the Royal Palace
We continued our visit of the magnificent rooms of the Palazzo Reale. The Throne Room was designed by Antonio de Simone. It was here that the royals would receive their guests. The throne that we see today dates from 1850. Next, you enter into the Hall of the Ambassadors. Off the Hall of the Ambassadors,…