Serrara Fontana
Serrara Fontana: a gem among the hills of Ischia
We find ourselves on the hills of Ischia, specifically in the municipality of Serrara Fontana, a small town that stretches from the highest peak of the Island, Mount Epomeo, down to the sea with the characteristic village of Sant'Angelo, once a small fishing village, now an important tourist center. In this article, we want to take you on a journey to discover Serrara Fontana, a town worth visiting for its natural beauty and millennial history.
Physical Geography
Serrara Fontana is the least populous municipality of the Island of Ischia, but also the highest, at 366 meters above sea level. The municipal territory extends between the promontory of Sant'Angelo, the southernmost point of the Island, and Mount Epomeo, where there is a splendid forest called "falanga". The municipality borders on the north with the municipality of Casamicciola, on the west with the municipality of Forio, and on the east with the municipality of Barano d'Ischia. The view that can be enjoyed from the panoramic point of the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, located in the historic center of Serrara, is truly breathtaking.
Anthropogenic Geography
The municipality takes its name from the inhabited centers of Serrara, the capital, and Fontana, the highest locality on the Island. In addition to these two inhabited centers, the municipal territory includes other hamlets and localities. The most famous is undoubtedly Sant'Angelo, which was once a small fishing village and is now a first-rate tourist center, characterized by a marina, a lighthouse and the splendid Tower of Sant'Angelo, a symbol of the municipality of Serrara Fontana.
History
The history of Serrara Fontana is very ancient and dates back to prehistoric times. There are numerous archaeological finds that testify to the presence of man in this territory since the Iron Age, passing through the period of Magna Graecia, the Hellenistic period, and the Middle Ages. Therefore, it is not surprising that many of the place names are derived from Greek, such as the case of Calimera, which means "good morning" because it was one of the first sites on the Island to be irradiated by the rising sun. The name Fontana, instead, dates back to the Middle Ages and derives from the presence of a source of drinking water around which the hamlet must have arisen. Serrara, on the other hand, means "mountainous" and officially appeared with the foundation of the Parish in 1641.
The municipality offers numerous historical and cultural attractions like the Parish Church of Santa Maria la Sacra, built-in 1374, the chapel of San Michele Arcangelo in Sant'Angelo, elevated to the Parish in 1923, but above all the magnificent hermitage of San Nicola excavated from green tuff on Mount Epomeo.
The Municipality of Serrara Fontana Today
The town of Serrara Fontana has mainly developed with a predominantly agricultural economy, thanks to the fertility of its lands, the production of wine, and numerous crops of fruits and vegetables. However, in recent decades, the growth of tourism has led to the creation of numerous commercial activities, including restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.
Sant'Angelo, once a small fishing village, is now one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, thanks to its beautiful beaches, thermal waters, and charming marina, where numerous boats dock.
The municipality of Serrara Fontana has undergone many transformations over the centuries but has managed to maintain its natural charm and historical beauty intact. Furthermore, thanks to its hillside location, it offers visitors a panoramic view of the wonderful island of Ischia.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the municipality of Serrara Fontana is one of the gems of the island of Ischia, with its natural beauty, millennial history, and hospitality. If you are looking for a place to spend your holidays, we highly recommend visiting this charming town. You can enjoy breathtaking views, relax in thermal waters, and savor delicious local cuisine. Serrara Fontana awaits you with open arms!
