Visit Procida

Terra Murata is a place of extreme beauty built on the highest point of the island. Here the walk, even if tiring, is a must.  The historical and cultural center of the island, literally overlooking the sea, Terra Murata is accessible only through a steep climb from which you can admire a breathtaking view over the entire Gulf of Naples. What makes this place special are not only the medieval fortifications and the scenic views, but also the two long-range cannons dating back to the Neapolitan Republic of 1799.  Once arrived at the top you cannot miss to visit the Palazzo d'Avalos (1563) which became only later the Royal Palace. In 1830 the building was transformed into a real prison citadel, then closed in 1988. Another wonderful attraction is surely the Abbey of San Michele (XVI century) where numerous works of art are preserved including a painting depicting St. Michael defeating Satan. Not to be missed is also the tour of the underground where there is an ancient burial place.  In Via del Borgo it is possible to admire a typical house dug in the tuff and developed on three levels, with external stairs to reach the upper floors.

Palazzo d’Avalos is an imposing fortress on Procida, overlooking the sea, part of Terra Murata, the fortified village on the highest point of the island. From 2016 it can be visited with a visit from the large garden to the large rooms with cross vaults and living rooms, where you can still see the important architecture, but also the atmosphere of the prison, in particular in the visit to the rooms on the left of the entrance, once a royal apartment. Along the staircase that leads to the main floor, you reach the upper loggia, invaded by light: in this floor, the prison remains behind and you can visit the large hall where the Cardinal Innico d'Avalos received up to 30 bishops in one of the "synods" He wanted. In the last room, in addition to having extraordinary views and perspectives on the landscape, one of the windows is the work of the internationally renowned artist Alfredo Pirri: at dawn, on the sea in front of the window the sun rises, and the work struck by its reflection becomes a brilliant set in the Palace. 

Guided tours are available from Monday to Thursday at 10:30 am, and from Friday to Sunday at 11 am. Children under 6 enter for free, 7 to 14 years old pay a reduced price. 

Please book within two days before. 

Those who choose to spend their holidays in Procida cannot lose the opportunity to visit the island of Vivara, a small oasis, the wildlife of which is protected since 1974 and by the State Nature Reserve since 2002. Small, wild, and unspoiled, this beautiful crescent-shaped island lying on the sea is able to captivate even the least sensitive with its charms of nature. In addition to its rare plants, wild rabbits, and various water and migratory birds, it is the site of important archaeological findings from the Mycenaean era. The sea, spectacular and rich in marine plants, is also an attraction for all fishing lovers.  The island of Vivara is what remains of a circular volcanic crater that was once connected to Procida by a cliff. Today the island is connected to the promontory of Santa Margherita (Marina Chiaiolella) by a bridge that can only be crossed by walking. Despite its small size - its area is 0.38 km2, with a perimeter of 3 km and a maximum height of 109 meters - the island consists of thousands of little paths, characterized by their pristine lush vegetation.  It's green and one of the few homes with Mediterranean glowing colors, always new depending on the season. The coastline of the island is about 3 km, but it has the greatest extent, due to its topography. From the top (109 m above sea level), the surface of the island gently slopes to the north and south: in particular, the northern tip is called " the Capital" just opposite Procida.  The island is under the protection of the State Nature Reserve. It falls under the Municipality of Procida and presents big importance as a source of natural beauty, for its landscape and natural habitat, archaeological, artistic, and architectural heritage, as well as the presence of both Mycenaean civilization findings and the Bourbon period architecture. The only building on the island of Vivara is a house built under Duke De Guevara in 1681, which became the "Bourbon Hunting Lodge" adjacent to the farmhouse. It house has a splendid terrace, from which you can admire a breathtaking view of the nearby island of Ischia and all of the Campania coast. A very interesting swivel house was constructed in the early 1900s by the architect Lamont Young.

The island can be visited from Friday to Sunday within 10:00 and 15:00. 

Luigi Nappa is an artist living in Procida who kindly provided us with one of his paintings for the poster of the workshop. If you like the poster you can visit his Gallery which is in Via Roma 50. The gallery serves as a timeless sanctuary for art enthusiasts and seekers of inspiration alike. Stepping inside, visitors are immediately immersed in a symphony of colors and emotions that transcend the canvas. Luigi Nappa's masterpieces, a delicate blend of traditional and contemporary techniques, breathe life into his subjects, whether it's the vivid portrayal of the island's captivating landscapes or the profound introspection captured in his portraiture. Each stroke of the brush reveals a profound connection between the artist and his environment, inviting guests to experience Procida through the eyes of a true visionary. The gallery's ambiance exudes tranquility and reverence, encouraging visitors to lose themselves in the depths of creativity and imagination, making it a must-visit destination for art connoisseurs and travelers seeking the essence of Italian artistic brilliance. More information about Luigi Nappa can be found in his website https://luiginappa.com/ and pictures of his masterpieces are on his Instagram page. 

In Procida, the sea can offer unique and fascinating experiences, like sailing around the Vivara island, visiting the Carbonchio bay, diving into the crystal clear waters of the island or just admiring the view on the colorful houses of Marina Coricella. Barcheggiando, a boat and motorboat rental company, operating in this industry since the late 90s, offers a possibility to rent a motorboat for the whole day or a guided island tour. The company also offers mooring and storage services at the port of Marina Chiaiolella.