PROCIDA

Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022

Capitale della Cultura 2022

 

Procida has recently been nominated as the Italian Capital of Culture 2022, an important recognition beating 9 other candidates.  The concept for 2022 is represented by the slogan “La cultura non isola” literally meaning “Culture doesn’t isolate” a project following local, national and international dimensions. The “Capitale della Cultura 2022” programme will involve over 50 projects, offering more than 300 days of scheduled events, contemporary exhibitions, festivals and live performances. Numerous events will be hosted by Palazzo D’Avalos – currently open to the public from Thursdays to Sundays (from June 1st to September 30th 2021)

The Charming Island of Procida

Procida is the oldest and smallest of three islands situated just off the coast of Naples, displaying a jagged 16-kilometre coastline of volcanic origin placed between Cape Miseno and the island of Ischia.  Even though the nearby islands of Ischia and Capri may be considered more “popular” as touristic destinations, Procida has a special captivating visual impact with breath-taking landscapes, a calm but also somehow chaotic feeling to the air and basically a “real” atmosphere far away from mass tourism.  Procida is every-day life with locals, colourful narrow streets, churches, lemon groves, orchards, vineyards, traditional scenes of busy fishermen and characteristic shops full of local handicrafts.

 

Procida – the beaches

If you are looking for beaches, Procida has a choice of seven:

Spiaggia della Chiaia (via Pizzaco), Pozzo Vecchio-Spiaggia del Postino (via C. Battisti), Punta Lingua/Asino (via Roma), Marina di Corricella, Spiaggia della Silurenza (Via Roma), Spiaggia di Ciraccio and Spiaggia della Chiaiolella (Lungomare Cristoforo Colombo).

The Marina di Chiaiolella is charmingly characteristic and considered as one of the most popular areas, well equipped for small boats, super sunsets and families.  Chiaiolella is dominated by the medieval fortification “Terra Murata” situated at the highest point of the island and considered as the heart of Procida – obviously worth a visit.

The small fishing harbour (Borgo Marinaio) of Marina di Corricella is absolutely striking for its pastel-coloured architecture – and most probably the most-photographed.

Spiaggia di Chiaia offers calmly low bathing waters situated within a protected bay with 182 worthy steps heading from via Piazzaco.

Pozzo Vecchio – also called “Il Postino beach” is known to be comfortably shady in the mornings and great during late afternoons for stunning sunsets – but not always perfect for easy swimming.

Silurenza is accessible with a brief walk through central via Roma and is recommended for families with younger children.

The Marina di Sancio Cattolico is commonly known as the “Marina Grande” and is the commercial harbour.  Scheduled Hydrofoils and direct Ferry services are available with frequent connections to and from central Naples, Pozzuoli, Monte di Procida (seasonal), and the nearby isles of Capri and Ischia.

Procida – My Recommended Highlights:

  • for History and Art – Terra Murata, Abbazia di San Michele Arcangelo (Abbey), Palazzo Reale D’Avalos, Palazzo Guarracino
  • for Tasty Traditions – Fresh fish and pasta dishes, lemons, Lingua di Procida (sweet pastries), Wines and Limoncello liquors
  • for Gifts and Souvenirs – Handcrafts, Pottery, Ceramics, Hand-made lace and fine embroidery
  • for Nature – Isola di Vivara Natural Oasis
  • for Children – Marina di Chiaiollela, Silurenza, Terra Murata
source: My Country magazine – Naples, Italy

 

Over the years, My Country magazine has frequently highlighted the charming isle of Procida.

Procida is the oldest and smallest of the three fascinating isles situated on the Gulf of Naples.

 

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Fondazione William Walton
The enchanted gardens Giardini La Mortella were created by Sir William Walton and Lady Susanna Walton. The original plan was designed around the suggestive volcanic promontory by the renowned British landscape architect Russell Page who worked together with Lady Walton during the 1950’s.
The botanic gardens are situated on the isle of Ischia, Naples boasting 2 hectares of rare plant and flower collections from the Mediterranean and over the world together with trees, ponds, streams, fountains, tropical greenhouses, Nymphaeum and William’s rock.
Sir William Walton was a British composer who arrived to Ischia shortly after marrying Susanna in 1949 when the land was purchased situated in an area known as “Le Mortelle” due to myrtle bushes present throughout volcanic rocks and so giving the name to the property “La Mortella”. Lady Walton worked over 50 years with dedication to create a refuge for William to compose in isolated peace. When William passed away in 1983 she decided to open the grounds to the public by 1991. She formed two foundations in his name – the Fondazione William Walton in Italy and the William Walton Trust in Britain, aiming not only to promote her husband’s love and knowledge of music but also to maintain the beautiful grounds and gardens. To Lady Susanna Walton, La Mortella has proven to be a mission of a lifetime, a monument to the life and works of William and a poignant reminder of the great love they experience together.

2020 OPENING TIMES
The Garden is open to the public from June 16th to October 31st, 2020. Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm. Last admission by 6 pm.
At least two hours are recommended for the visit. The garden is also accessible to disabled visitors. Guided Tours for groups are available in Italian and English by appointment only +39 081 990118. All visitors receive a map of the gardens including a suggested itinerary and the main attractions.

Giardini La Mortella – 45, Via Francesco Calise 80075 Forio, Ischia
(NA) phone: +39 081 986220 mail: info@lamortella.org

Source ©My Country magazine – July 2020 / May 2019 (page 14)