San Francesco Al Monte Hotel

San Francesco Al Monte Hotel monastery was founded in the 16th century by Friar Agostino da Miglionico, a 'poor monk' of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, also called 'Barbanti' for their flowing beards. Friar Agostino built a small cell in the bowels of the mountain that, with time, grew into a more comfortable monastery. There are still important traces of the past that contribute to the enchantment of the place, such as the Chapel of San Giovan Giuesppe della Croce, the patron saint of Ischia of vibrant religious fervour, who passed the last twelve years of his life at Santa Lucia al Monte. He died in the monastery and is buried there: his cell, still impregnated with his memories, has been faithfully preserved and can be visited. Evocative and important spaces from the ancient complex have been skilfully preserved, such as the oven where the bread was baked and the frescoed refectory that still seems to resound with the far-off echo of the prayers and readings that accompanied mealtimes. Here and there you will find fragments of frescoes, old majolica and decorations that testify to the place's artistic heritage.

Price: £70.50 from Otel