Santa Restituta IschiaSanta Restituta IschiaThe redevelopment of the Santa Restituta complex has been funded for a total amount of €11.2 million by Giovanni Legnini, Special Commissioner for the repair, reconstruction, population assistance, and economic recovery efforts in the areas of the island of Ischia affected by the earthquake and landslide, and involves the Agenzia del Demanio as the implementing body for the planning stage.
A number of practical measures have already been taken: finds that can be moved have been taken to the Villa Arbusto museum complex by the Diocese of Ischia, provisional safety measures have been implemented in the archaeological area, and preliminary surveys have been conducted on the materials.
A seismic audit will soon be carried out to ascertain more about the structural behaviour of the buildings. A planning stage will follow during which seismic retrofitting and improvement strategies for the municipal building must be aligned with the repurposing works that will convert the archaeological area into a museum, with urban redevelopment of the adjacent square, and enhancement of its accessibility and connections.
The works are overseen by a permanent panel of experts chaired by the Special Commissioner for Reconstruction. On the panel will also sit the Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape Office for the Naples metropolitan area (which is responsible for guiding and coordinating works in the archaeological area), the Agenzia del Demanio the Municipality of Lacco Ameno, and the Diocese of Ischia.
An arrangement between the Agenzia del Demanio and the University of Milan provides for expert archaeological advice and support from the latter.
A highly significant archaeological site lies Beneath the Church of Santa Restituta, named after the Carthaginian martyr and the island’s patron saint. Frequented from the time of Greek colonisation until late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, the site played a key role in the history of Ischia and the Gulf of Naples, as well as in the social and religious life of the island. It was discovered in the middle of the last century by Don Pietro Monti, then rector of the Basilica and archaeologist, who studied it and set up the first museum.
Although the archaeological area is not currently open as the complex is undergoing seismic retrofitting, you can take a virtual tour and see its most interesting parts close-up, There is also a video showing how the archaeological finds were moved so that the surveys and redevelopment work could be carried out.
Take an alluring trip around one of the most iconic places on Ischia island. Although not open for visits, our virtual tour provides you with an immersive and interactive way to explore the archaeological site, discovering history and fascinating facts.
You’ll be accompanied through the remains of an old artisan district, where some seven kilns were used to make pottery for everyday needs over the centuries. Discover the amphorae for transporting and storing Ischia’s famous wine, which was once shipped all around the Mediterranean.
As well as Roman and late-ancient tombs, you can admire the evocative remains of the early Christian basilica that precious witness to the arrival of Christianity on the island.
This unique experience lets you delve into thousands of years of Ischian history, wherever you are.
Copy: Gloria Olcese, with Andrea Razza
Take a tour of the archaeological site, with visual reconstructions and narration
The University of Milan / Immensa Aequora
Concept and technical director:
Gloria Olcese
Planning support:
Andrea Razza
3D surveying:
Federico Capriuoli, Luca Coscarelli
3D Post-production:
Anthony Fedeli, Luca Coscarelli, Federico Capriuoli