Upper Casamicciola

Where it is

Historical sources distinguish between lower Casamicciola, which includes the Marina, Piazza Bagni and Perrone, and upper Casamicciola, a group of hillside hamlets such as Maio, Il Monte and La Castagna. The upper town climbs from the Piazza Bagni spa area towards the slopes of Monte Epomeo, the island's highest peak, and extends westwards to the hilly La Rita and Monte Cito area, on the boundary with Lacco Ameno.

What it includes

Piazza Maio

Piazza Maio, at about 130 metres above sea level, is the historic centre of the upper town: from here you can reach the Bagni and La Rita spa areas, and trails set off towards Epomeo.

La Rita

In the western part lies the La Rita basin, at the bottom of a ravine that forms part of an ancient crater, at the foot of the La Cesa hill. Its waters, between 60 and 72 °C, feed the La Rita spring and the Antiche Terme La Rita, on Calata Sant'Antonio.

La Sentinella

On the hill of La Sentinella stood the hotel where Garibaldi stayed in 1864 and the Geophysical Observatory, founded after 1883 and directed by Giulio Grablovitz. Here too are the Sanctuary of the Immacolata and the Church of the Addolorata; in the Maio area stands the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, known as the Purgatorio.

History

The upper town was the ancient heart of the town: here stood Piazza Maio with its parish church and, on the Sentinella hill, the grand hotels of the 19th century. Today regeneration projects also cover the area between Piazza Maio and the La Rita spa.

Nature and trails

• The Alum Trail starts in Fango and ends in Piazza Maio after about 8.4 km, passing the fumarole field of Monte Cito.
• The Celario – Monte Cito – Crateca trail explores the western hills and Monte Cito.
• The trail from the Maio to Monte Epomeo climbs towards the island's summit.

Tips for your visit

The streets of the upper town are narrow and steep: the best way to explore is on foot, in comfortable shoes. Some areas may be affected by building works: always follow the signs.