Facing the imposing mass of the Aragonese Castle, almost as if to protect it with their discreet but unmistakable presence, stand the Sant'Anna Rocks, a group of rocky islets that enchant visitors with their wild beauty and timeless charm.
These small patches of land, sculpted by the wind and waves, house a chapel dedicated to the saint, a place of devotion and tradition that comes to life every year on the occasion of the famous feast of July 26th.
The Sant'Anna Rocks, with their irregular shape and their Mediterranean vegetation, are an iconic image of Ischia, a symbol that is repeated in postcards, in photographs and in the memories of those who have had the good fortune to admire them.
Their privileged position, in front of the Aragonese Castle, makes them a privileged observation point over the bay of Cartaromana, a place where history and nature merge into a landscape of rare beauty.
But it is the feast of Sant'Anna that makes this place even more special.
Every year, on July 26th, the rocks are transformed into a magical stage, where tradition and popular devotion mix in an unforgettable show.
The bay lights up with a thousand lights, the boats are adorned with festive decorations and a procession of illuminated boats parades in front of the rocks, accompanied by songs and prayers.
The feast of Sant'Anna is an event that has its roots in the history of Ischia, a moment of celebration and thanks to the patron saint of women in labor.
Legend has it that Sant'Anna, mother of the Virgin Mary, protects pregnant women and helps them overcome the difficulties of childbirth.
For this reason, the feast is particularly felt by the women of Ischia, who go to the rocks to pray and ask for the protection of the saint.
But the feast of Sant'Anna is also an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of Ischia and its maritime traditions. The illuminated boats, which parade in the bay, are a tribute to the history of the Ischian fishermen, who have always had an indissoluble bond with the sea.
The fireworks, which light up the night sky, are a tribute to the joy and vitality of the island.
The Sant'Anna Rocks, with their chapel, their history and their feast, are a place that embodies the soul of Ischia, an island where nature, history and tradition merge in perfect harmony.
A place to visit, to love and to remember.