Ischia Summer School on the History of the Life Sciences
Visualizing Nature
General Information
Ischia is a small island in the Gulf of Naples known since Roman times as a holiday resort and for its hot springs and spas. The island lies roughly 17 miles from Naples and measures around 7 miles east to west. It is almost entirely mountainous with the highest peak being Mt. Epomeo. The coastline here is very jagged with enchanting coves, bays and creeks, some of which are only accessible by boat. The island of Ischia is volcanic in origin and the central peak is quiescent although hot springs and fumeroles steam away. Mount Vesuvius is just across the bay, inactive since 1944. The famous eruption of 1767 was studied by many geologists of the day, captured in stupendous acquatints by Sir William Hamilton, British envoy to the court of Naples from 1764 to 1779. Pompei and Herculaneum are nearby. The principal town of the island is divided into Ischia Ponte and Ischia Porto (Ischia Ferry Port). The island’s main industry is tourism, centering on thermal parks that cater to mostly European clients. There is an excellent local white wine.
Ischia’s most famous landmark is the Castle Aragonese located on a steep islet linked to Ischia Ponte by a causeway. First established in 474 BC, the castle was extensively rebuilt and fortified in 1438 by Alfonso of Aragon. Under the Aragonese dynasty of the 15th century it became a political, cultural and spiritual center of regional interest. The Renaissance court of the poet Vittoria Colonna (a friend of Michelangelo) lived here at the height of the castle's splendour. The castle is privately owned but you can visit the ruins where a small hotel occupies part of the former Convent of Poor Clares. There is here a chamber where the dead were seated and left to mummify. The beach at its foot was used for location shots in The talented Mr Ripley.
Our Summer School is held in the Laboratory of Benthic Ecology of the Stazione Zoologica, the former summer home of Anton Dorhn, the founder of the Stazione Zoologica di Napoli. It is located in the ‘Villa Acquario’ on the island of Ischia.
