Churches in Ischia

Historic Religious Sites

Ischia’s religious heritage is defined by its diverse architecture, ranging from the iconic white-washed Santa Maria del Soccorso in Forio to the rock-cut hermitage of San Nicola atop Mount Epomeo. These sites showcase centuries of history, including the 14th-century Gothic ruins of the Cathedral of the Assunta within the Aragonese Castle and the archaeological excavations beneath Santa Restituta in Lacco Ameno. Many of these churches, such as Santa Maria di Portosalvo, reflect the island's maritime culture and Bourbon patronage, offering insight into Ischia's spiritual and social evolution.

Historic Religious Sites — Map

Mentnafunangann

A

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta

18th-century Baroque cathedral in Ischia Ponte. It houses a 13th-century crucifix and a font used to baptize poet Vittoria Colonna.

B

Santa Maria del Soccorso

14th-century white-washed church in Forio. Features a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish styles with 18th-century ceramic tiles depicting the Passion of Christ.

Mentnafunangann

C

Chiesa di San Giovan Giuseppe della Croce

Sanctuary in Ischia Ponte housing the relics of the island’s patron saint. The building features a distinctive green-and-yellow tiled dome.

D

Santa Restituta

Early Christian basilica in Lacco Ameno. The site includes an underground museum with Greek, Roman, and early Christian archaeological remains.

E

Basilica Pontificia Santa Maria di Loreto

16th-century basilica in Forio known for its Baroque interior, ornate marble altar, and collection of paintings by local artists.

F

Chiesa del Crocifisso

Located in Ischia Porto, this church is noted for a venerated 14th-century wooden crucifix and its traditional simple architecture.

G

San Nicola Epomeo

15th-century hermitage carved directly into the volcanic tuff at the summit of Mount Epomeo, the island's highest point.

H

San Francesco

17th-century church and convent in Forio featuring a simple facade and several notable religious artworks.

I

San Michele

Small church in the village of Sant'Angelo, situated on a hill overlooking the harbor and the sea.

J

Santa Maria al Monte

16th-century church carved into the rock above Forio. It served as a refuge during pirate raids and is accessible via mountain paths.

K

Chiesa di Gesù Buon Pastore

Modern Catholic church in Ischia Porto, serving the local parish with contemporary architecture.

L

Cathedral of the Assunta

14th-century Gothic ruins located within the Aragonese Castle. Destroyed by British shelling in 1809, it retains visible frescoes and architectural fragments.

M

San Giuseppe

Parish church in Lacco Ameno dedicated to Saint Joseph, featuring traditional local architecture.

N

Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Pietro

18th-century church in Ischia Porto known for its Neoclassical facade and its central location near the harbor.

O

Santa Maria di Portosalvo

19th-century church commissioned by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon. It stands prominently near the port with a Neoclassical portico.

P

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate

Historic church in the Ischia Porto area dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot.

Q

Chiesa Santa Maria Maddalena

Rebuilt after the 1883 earthquake, this church in Casamicciola Terme features a majestic facade and serves as a local landmark.

Other Lists

Ischia's Must-See Wonders Beaches and Coasts Historic Sites & Ancient Ruins Parks and Gardens Scenic Viewpoints and Landmarks