In spring this year we spent a couple of days on gorgeous Ischia, one of the islands in the spectacular Bay of Naples. Our lovely friends Stephanie and Paul took us on a tour of the island on a rickety bus which hurtled around the narrow road at breakneck speed.
One of the highlights along the way was the pretty little church, Santa Maria del Soccorso, which sits on a promontory jutting into the sea, Punta del Soccorso.
The facade is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The church has had many transformations since it was rescued from an old Augustinian monastery founded in the 14th century.
The entrance is via a semicircular staircase decorated with polychrome majolica tiles.
The tiles are repeated in the wall around the church and on the cross at the side.
The interior is a cool respite from the heat of the day.
The site offers great views back into the island. Storm clouds seemed to be brewing, but they came to nothing.
Ischia is a place we want to return to. The island needs much more than a 2 day visit to see everything it has to offer.