The Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae, located in the municipality of Lacco Ameno, is the ideal place to delve into and learn about the island’s history, art and culture in an enchanting setting, also in terms of landscape. Located in the historic Villa Arbusto mansion, surrounded by lush gardens overlooking the sea, the museum houses an extraordinary collection of archaeological finds, artwork and artifacts that tell the ancient history of Ischia. Here you will see sculptures, mosaics, vases, and objects that shed light on the daily lives of residents of the time and the cultural influences that shaped the island. The museum also boasts a rich collection of artwork, including paintings and sculptures documenting the island’s artistic evolution over the centuries. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and local cultural expressions are often set up here.
The most famous artifact housed in the Archaeological Museum of Pythacusae is the Cup of Nestor, also hosted in 2019 by the British Museum in London. It dates back to the 8th century B.C., and engraved on it is one of the oldest examples of Greek writing testifying to the crucial role of Pithecusae (Ischia) as one of the most important ports of call in the trade relations held between the West and the East at that time.
