Ischia

Ischia (ancient Aenaria), island, west central Italy, in the Tyrrhenian Sea between the gulfs of Gaeta and Salerno, forming part of Naples Province. Mountainous and of volcanic origin, the island is dominated by the quiescent volcano Mount Epomeo, which rises 788 m (2,585 ft) above sea level. Agriculture and fishing are the chief occupations, and wine is produced. Numerous mineral springs on the island have made Ischia a popular health resort. The chief town, Ischia, on the northeastern coast, is the site of a 15th-century castle built on the ruins of a 5th-century structure. The island was colonized by Greeks during the 5th century bc. After 474 bc it was successively a possession of Syracuse, Naples, and Rome. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions have devastated Ischia on several occasions; more than 1,500 persons were killed in an earthquake in 1883. Area, 47 sq km (18 sq mi); population (2001) 18,253.