Castello Aragonese, Taranto

Entrance is free so we thought you can just show up to visit the castle. Totally wrong. You must make a reservation, so we were there in the morning and first slot available was at 4PM. The tour is guided by a Navy Officer. Ours was really great, thanks to the Italian Navy this site is well preserved and archaeologists are still working on it!

A pure gem. The museum is free and open from 9am until 1 in the morning. Just book it over the phone. Make sure you mention a tour guide in English in case you need one. The guided tour is around 45mins and given directly by the Naval army. They have plenty of stories to tell. Don't miss it.

Very entertaining visit and very interesting history. Definitely a must go The tour is free but you need to book a slot, they have the number in the website They have tours even at night

Castello Aragonese, Italy Castello Aragonese is a medieval castle located in Ischia Ponte and is perhaps the most iconic and intriguing of all Ischia's sights. It dates back nearly 2,500 years when the original fortress was built by Hiero I, a tyrant from the Sicilian region of Syracusa. In the early days after its creation, the site comprised of two watch-towers to guard against attacks from enemy forces, while the sea surrounding it offered its greatest source of protection from any potential raids. Control of the rock-fortress changed hands between Neopolitan and Roman forces for many years with its strategic position in the region seen as vital for trade and protection of the island's resources. In the middle ages the castle gained its current name due to the tenancy of the Aragonese royal family whom created much of the structure of the castle as it is seen today. In 1441 one of the most important events in the castle's history took place when it was connected to the land by the same stone bridge that still stands. The previously wooden bridge and comparatively weak fortifications of the fortress were deemed as insufficient protection against modern pirates, plunderers and raiders which inspired King Alfonso V to set about creating the magnificent citadel. The castle has had several incarnations in its long long history. At one stage it was the home to 2,000 inhabitants of the island and has also been used as a prison in times of conflict. For modern-day visitors to Ischia, Castello Aragonese offers a fascinating glimpse in to the history of the island as well as providing a beautiful and dramatic addition to the landscape. As the ferries and hydrofoils approach Ischia, the first thing people notice is the huge green mass of Mount Epomeo, followed by iconic sight of the castle as they get closer to port.

It is said you need to make a reservation. To be able to visit the castle with a tour for free. We called and thought we did one for 4pm the following day. When we got there the security said they don't do tours that day because there is the cruise ship in the city. But it was open to the public to go in and explore on their own no guide needed. They gave us a leaflet in English and that was it. Bad communication, at least one person's should speak proper English on have an announcement like "no tours on the days cruise ships dock here, English tours only 4pm any other day" as this is what I assume is the case! 30 mins is enough to stroll around.