Ischia Town stretches along the north west coastline of the island. For those coming from the mainland this is the main town and the main centre of the island of Ischia.Situated on the eastern side of the island it stretches from the hills of St. Alexander to the Aragonese Castle. The territory was divided into two main areas: Ischia Port, which used to be called the Villa of the Baths in ancient times due to the many spas and Ischia Ponte (Bridge), which was once known as the Borgo of Celsa. Other quarters are S Michele, S Antuono, Campagnano, S Alessandro and S Ciro. The name of Ischia was extended to the whole town recently, because at one time ‘the City of Ischia’ only applied to the so-called Aragonese Castle, where the island’s governor and bishop resided. A delightful and vivacious town, today this is the real centre of the island. Some of the white and multicoloured houses stretch along the edge of a lake which was once a crater. This was opened up to the sea by Ferdinand II of the Bourbons and became a safe harbour. Lush pine woods adorn the town and stretch down to the beaches. The civil and religious history of the whole island is emphasised by the present-day town which has used the antique island architecture of Ischia Ponte in today’s apartment blocks. This area is renowned for its beaches, thermal springs, historical attractions and luxury hotels built on fantastic sites of stunning natural beauty. The main attractions are: the Aragonese Castle, the Sea Museum, the Madonna delle Grazie e delle Anime del Purgatorio also known as S Pietro Church, the Cattedrale dell’Assunta, the parish church S Maria di Portosalvo, the church of the Addolorata, the Antoniana Library, the Seminar Palace and the Collegiata dello Spirito Santo church.