Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae
the tale of the ancient history of Ischia
Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae
The Archaeological Museum of Pithecusae, located in the municipality of Lacco Ameno, is the perfect place to explore and discover the history, art, and culture of the island, set in an enchanting landscape. Housed in the historic Villa Arbusto and surrounded by lush gardens overlooking the sea, the museum boasts an extraordinary collection of archaeological finds, artworks, and artifacts that recount Ischia’s ancient past.
Visitors can admire sculptures, mosaics, vases, and objects that shed light on everyday life in ancient times and the cultural influences that shaped the island. The museum also features a rich collection of paintings and sculptures, tracing the artistic evolution of Ischia over the centuries.
Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and local cultural expressions are frequently held here.
The museum’s most famous artifact is the Cup of Nestor, which was also exhibited in 2019 at the British Museum in London. Dating back to the 8th century B.C., it bears one of the oldest known inscriptions in the Greek language, a testimony to the pivotal role of Pithecusae (Ischia) as a key trade hub between the Western and Eastern Mediterranean worlds.