A Paradise
in a prestigious location
Ischia Ponte
Located 700 meters from our hotel, it can be reached in a few minutes through a small path called “Soronzano.” Ischia Ponte is the historic center of the town of Ischia and is also called Borgo di Celsa. This charming place is famous all over the world because it houses the symbol of the island of Ischia: the Aragonese Castle.
It is in this village that all the history and tradition of our island lies. The walk through the street made of basoli, where there is still the seat of the diocesan seminary, is enriched by ceramic stores and small stores selling typical products, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an aperitif or a tasty fish dinner.
Aragonese Castle
This huge rock, sung about by Ariosto and inhabited by Vittoria Colonna, represents, for its extraordinary beauty, the symbol of the island of Ischia.
If castles fascinate, the Aragonese Castle of Ischia, rising from the sea, is even more mysterious, detached as it is from the rest of the island with which, however, it maintains a bond that goes beyond the bridge – umbilical cord that physically unites it to Ischia Ponte. Its name originates from the dynasty that more than the others imprinted the islet with the appearance that characterizes it: Alfonso I of Aragon transformed the pre-existing Maschio Angioino in the 15th century AD, built the mighty defensive walls, and had the pedestrian access tunnel dug into the rock.
Cartaromana
The area of Cartaromana is one of the most elegant and picturesque on the island of Ischia. Located 800mt from the historic center of Ischia Ponte, it seems that it was inhabited since Ancient Roman times under the name of Aenaria, which is supposed to have been submerged by the sea. In fact, at about 7/8 meters below the seabed, traces of that ancient city have been found. In this historically and scenically prestigious area you can admire: the Rocks of Sant’Anna, the beach of Cartaromana and Michelangelo’s Tower.
The Rocks of Sant’Anna
The Rocks of Sant’Anna are 150 meters away from the Parco Cartaromana hotel and are a good alternative for those who wish to immerse themselves in the wilderness.
Nearby stands the small church of Sant’Anna, built in the first half of the 16th century and dedicated to St. Anne, mother of Mary and patroness of mothers and parturients, widows and embroiderers.
Ischitan women would go there on pilgrimage to pray in solitude asking for the gift of a child, when children did not come naturally, they asked the saint that the childbirth would go well at that time when giving birth was very risky.
Guevara’s Tower
or Michelangelo’s Tower
Symbol of Ischia, along with the Castle, is the Michelangelo Tower that stands majestically in front of the Castle, immersed in an immense green garden, 300 mt from the Hotel Parco Cartaromana.
Also known as the Guevara’s Tower, it is a turreted house built on that stretch of the island’s eastern coast overlooking the Castle of Ischia, the natural outcome of telluric upheavals dating back to the second century AD, entirely fortified by Alfonso of Aragon. Vittoria Colonna’s presence at the Castle and Michelangelo’s friendship with the noble castellan encouraged a “love match” by which it was improperly called “Michelangelo’s tower”.
Cartaromana Beach
Cartaromana Beach is on the east side of Ischia, in an area of great beauty: the sun rises in the morning right here, showing unforgettable auroras; around the beach there is a whole stretch of coastline to explore, with bizarrely shaped rocks and small basins. The characteristic feature of the beach, however, are the small hot springs that flow ashore, under the cliff wall of Campagnano Hill.
Feast of St. Anne
On July 26, Cartaromana Bay is transformed into a large stage where various boats decorated as floating floats parade in the shadow of the Aragonese Castle. After awarding the most beautiful boat, the celebration continues with the simulation of the ‘burning of the Castle’, music and fireworks.
How to reach us
Ischia is an island.
It can be reached by ferries and hydrofoils that leave from Naples, from Molo Beverello (from which depart hydrofoils carrying only people – no cars) and from Calata Porta di Massa (from which depart ferries carrying people and cars), or from the port of Pozzuoli.
To get to Hotel Parco Cartaromana take a ferry or hydrofoil, get off at Ischia Porto and from there continue by one of the characteristic micro taxis or by the line buses C12 or C13 (Cartaromana direction), which stop 50 meters from the hotel.
Transfers to/from airport and station upon request.
By Car
Take the ferry to Ischia Porto from Calata Porta di Massa in Naples or from Pozzuoli. Disembark at Ischia Port and follow the signs for Ischia Ponte – Castello Aragonese. When you are in sight of the Castle, turn right before Via Seminario onto Via Nuova Cartaromana. After about 1 km on the left you will see Hotel Parco Cartaromana, on Via Nuova Cartaromana No. 44.
By Train
From Naples Central Station in Piazza Garibaldi, go to Molo Beverello (the nearest, from which depart hydrofoils carrying only people) or to Calata Porta di Massa (from which depart ferries carrying people and cars) and embark for Ischia. Then continue as above.
By Plane
Arrive at Naples Capodichino airport. From the airport take one of the shuttle buses to either Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa. Follow the directions as above from both ports.
Contacts
Via Nuova Cartaromana 44,
80077 Ischia NA