Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae

Ischia


Housed in the elegant Villa Arbusto, former home of local celeb Angelo Rizzoli, the Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae enjoys a heady historical location overlooking Monte Vico, site of the ancient settlement and acropolis of Pithecusae. The museum has a fascinating collection of important finds from the island’s Hellenic settlement, ranging from imported earthenware to parts of the acropolis itself.

A highlight is the legendary 7th-century-BC Nestor’s Cup in Sala (Room) II, bearing one of the oldest-known Greek inscriptions – which, appropriately, celebrates the wine of Ischia. The space also encompasses the Museo Angelo Rizzoli.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ischia attractions

1. Museo Angelo Rizzoli

This pint-sized museum encased in the larger Museo Archeologico di Pithecusae pays homage to the man who turned humble little Lacco into a celebrity…

2. Baia di San Montano

0.46 MILES

Just outside Lacco Ameno and wedged between two headlands, this gorgeous bay is the place for warm, shallow, crystal-clear waters. It's situated in front…

3. La Mortella

0.54 MILES

A symphony of plants, La Mortella (the myrtles) is the former home and gardens of the late British composer William Walton (1902–83) and his Argentine…

4. Punta Caruso

1.18 MILES

Located on Ischia's northwestern tip, this secluded rocky spot is perfect for a solitary swim in clear, deep water. To get here, follow the walking path…

5. Monte Epomeo

1.62 MILES

To anyone of average fitness, an ascent of Ischia’s slumbering volcanic peak is practically obligatory. The views from the rocky summit are superb. And,…

6. Cappella di San Nicola di Bari

1.64 MILES

The little church near the top of Monte Epomeo is the 15th-century Cappella di San Nicola di Bari, which features a pretty majolica floor. The adjoining…

7. Chiesa di Santa Maria del Soccorso

1.82 MILES

This diminutive white church perched above the water in the town centre was originally part of a 14th-century Augustinian monastery; its side chapel and…

8. Giardini Ravino

1.95 MILES

The vision of local botanist Giuseppe D’Ambra, who has collected plants since the 1960s, this 6000-sq-metre garden pays homage to the not-so-humble cactus…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "italy/lacco-ameno/attractions/museo-archeologico-di-pithecusae/a/poi-sig/1029525/1325027",
      "destination": "Ischia",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Italy",
      "region": "Ischia",
      "position": "superzone"
    }