Lacco Ameno
Discover Lacco Ameno: the pearl of Ischia
Hello friends! Today I will talk about Lacco Ameno, a population of 4,576 located on the island of Ischia, in the metropolitan city of Naples.
Physical geography
Territory
Although it is the smallest municipality on the island, Lacco Ameno occupies a strategic position in its north-western part, with a breathtaking view of the sea and the first slopes of Mount Epomeo. It borders with Casamicciola Terme and Forio, two gems of the island.
Climate
The island of Ischia is famous for its mild climate, with pleasant temperatures throughout the year, even in winter. The crystal-clear sea and thermal water sources are a true paradise for the skin and relaxation.
Origin of the name
The name Lacco Ameno has ancient origins, dating back to the Greek times and deriving from the Greek term λάκκος, which means cistern, tank, or pit. In 1862, the City Council asked King Victor Emmanuel II to add the adjective "Ameno" to the name Lacco. The request was granted with a ministerial decree in 1863.
History
Lacco Ameno is a very ancient western polis, founded by the Greeks around 770 BC. In 1883, a disastrous earthquake struck Lacco Ameno and Casamicciola Terme, causing the death of over 2,300 people. But Lacco Ameno and the other municipalities on the island rise from the ashes, transforming into a renowned thermal resort with several thermal springs. The Italian publisher Angelo Rizzoli contributed significantly to the city's rise, investing in the construction of several hotels in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1962, he also donated the only hospital in Ischia, the Anna Rizzoli Hospital.
In 2017, another earthquake hit the city, causing significant damage. But its people have proven to be strong and resilient, and the city has resumed its tourist activity.
Monuments and places of interest
Lacco Ameno can boast numerous monuments and places of interest, including:
- Municipality Tower: former Carmelite convent, built in the seventeenth century and overlooking Santa Restituta Square;
- Basilica and Museum of Santa Restituta: dedicated to Santa Restituta of Africa, co-patroness of the island of Ischia. The Paleochristian Basilica (open to visitors) was enlarged in 1301, and in 1590 the Carmelites transformed it into the current neoclassical basilica. The current façade dates back to 1910 and bears the inscription ''Divae Restitutae V. et M. Patronae Totius Aenariae Sacrum''.
But not just monuments: Lacco Ameno is also famous for the thermal springs of Santa Restituta, with the highest radioactivity coefficient on the island. Lacco Ameno will give you moments of relaxation and health protection.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lacco Ameno is a pearl of Ischia, a charming locality where history mixes with the beauty of the landscape, the healthfulness of its waters, and the friendliness of its inhabitants. Come visit us, you will be welcome!
