Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FORIO & THE WEST COAST
The largest town on the island, and apparently the favoured destination of Tennessee Wil-
liams and Truman Capote in the 1950s, Forio is home to some of the best restaurants on
Ischia, as well as good beaches and a couple of stunning botanical gardens.
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso
(Via Soccorso 1, Forio; 10am-sunset)
This dazzling white church located on the west-
ern edge of town was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side
chapel and dome were added in 1791 and 1854 respectively, the latter rebuilt after the
1883 earthquake. The 18th-century mismatched majolica tiles adorning the semicircular
staircase out the front are truly beautiful; from here, the views are heavenly.
CHURCH
Giardini Ravino
( 081 99 77 83;
www.ravino.it
; SS 270, Forio; adult/reduced €9/4; 9am-sunset,
closed Tue & Thu, Mar-mid-Nov)
The vision of local botanist, Giuseppe D'Ambra, who
has travelled collecting plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq metre garden pays homage to
the not-so-humble cacti. There is a diverse collection here, as well as other succulent
plants, many of which apparently have homeopathic qualities.
You can join a guided walk every Sunday at 11am; at other times, you should reserve in
advance. The gardens are also the site of concerts, art and craft exhibitions, and there are
self-catering apartments to rent.
BOTANICAL GARDENS
La Mortella
( 081 98 62 20;
www.lamortella.it
;
Via F Calese 39, Forio; adult/reduced €10/5;
9am-7pm Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun Apr-Nov)
Designed by Russell Page and inspired by the
Moorish gardens of Granada's Alhambra in Spain, La Mortella is recognised as one of
Italy's finest botanical gardens and well worth a couple of hours of your time. Stroll
among terraces, pools, palms, fountains and more than 1000 rare and exotic plants from
all over the world.
These plants include the huge water lily Victoria Amazonica with flowers that turn
from white to crimson red. This veritable Eden was established by the late British com-
poser Sir William Walton and his Argentinian wife, Susana (who died in March 2010,
BOTANICAL GARDENS
