Aragonese Castle,medieval,bridge,Ischia

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Aragonese Castle stands proudly next to Ischia, one of the Phlegraean Islands, at the northern end of the Gulf of Naples, Italy. This medieval fortress sits atop a volcanic rocky islet that connects to the larger island of Ischia via a causeway, Ponte Aragonese. Built by Hiero I of Syracuse in 474 BC, the castle's original structure was enhanced with two towers designed to monitor enemy fleet movements. The rock was initially inhabited by Parthenopeans, the ancient residents of Naples. However, in 326 BC, Romans seized control of the fortress and later it fell back into Parthenopian hands. In 1441, Alfonso V of Aragon transformed the island's connection to Ischia with a sturdy stone bridge, replacing an earlier wooden one. He also reinforced the castle walls to safeguard against pirate raids that threatened the local inhabitants' safety.