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The History of Castiglione and the Island of Ischia
Ischia is a volcanic island in the heart of the Gulf of Naples, renowned for centuries for its thermal waters, mild climate, and the deep connection between nature and wellbeing.
It is here, among the sea, natural thermal springs, and Mediterranean vegetation, that the story of Parco Termale Castiglione began: a place where wellness has met the sea since 1977.
The Island of Thermal Waters
Since ancient times, Ischia has been known for the beneficial properties of its thermal waters. Even the ancient Greeks travelled to the island to restore body and spirit through the natural springs fed by the volcanic activity beneath the earth.
Over the centuries, Ischia has become one of the Mediterranean’s most renowned thermal destinations, still appreciated today for the natural wellness offered by its waters, breathtaking landscapes, and the gentle rhythm of island life.
The thermal waters of Ischia have traditionally been used to promote muscle relaxation, joint wellbeing, and the restoration of physical and mental balance.
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The Birth of Castiglione
The history of Castiglione dates back to the early twentieth century and is closely linked to Baroness Marie Ursula von Stohrer, born in Berlin in 1902.
During her long stays in the Mediterranean with her husband, Eberhard von Stohrer, a German diplomat, the desire arose to build a seaside residence in a place where nature and wellbeing could coexist in perfect harmony.
Their choice fell upon Ischia and the Castiglione estate in Casamicciola Terme, captivated by the extraordinary presence of thermal waters and the wild beauty of the landscape.
Construction of the residence, surrounded by lush greenery, began in 1940 and was completed in 1942. After the war, the Baroness returned permanently to Ischia and dedicated herself to enhancing the ancient thermal springs of Castiglione, already mentioned throughout history by authors such as Pliny the Younger, Strabo, and Giulio Iasolino.
From the Baroness’s Dream to the Thermal Park
Thanks to the contribution of Dr. Walde and his son Berthold, among the visionaries behind the island’s great thermal parks, Parco Termale Castiglione took shape during the 1970s.
From the very beginning, the park was designed in harmony with the surrounding nature: thermal pools, panoramic terraces, and wellness paths blend seamlessly into the Mediterranean landscape among pine trees, palm trees, and subtropical flowers, overlooking the crystal-clear waters of its private bay.
Even today, Castiglione preserves that authentic atmosphere of an “island within the island,” where thermal water remains the true protagonist of an experience dedicated to relaxation and regeneration.
Today, Parco Termale Castiglione welcomes guests from all over the world with panoramic thermal pools, wellness paths, a private beach area, restaurants, and peaceful spaces immersed in nature.
A place where guests can experience the most authentic side of Ischia, surrounded by thermal waters, nature, and Mediterranean hospitality.
Ischia Today
Beyond its thermal wellness tradition, Ischia offers volcanic landscapes, charming seaside villages, historic vineyards, and iconic attractions such as the Aragonese Castle, La Mortella Gardens, and the Villa Arbusto Archaeological Museum.
The island is easily reachable from Naples and Pozzuoli through frequent ferry and hydrofoil connections operating throughout the year.