Donum dedit: Apollo and Ninfe at Nitrodi

Promoting knowledge of the archaeological heritage of the island of Ischia, bringing the public closer to its history and offering an opportunity to rediscover the area’s cultural roots: these are the aims of the initiative “Donum dedit: Apollo and the Nymphs of Nitrodi”, which features two events dedicated to discovering the votive relief of the Nymphs of Nitrodi, currently on display at the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum at Villa Arbusto, in the municipality of Lacco Ameno.

Following its inauguration on 16 October, the municipal administration is organising two guided tours, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October and Sunday, 1 November 2026, both at 11 a.m. The tours will be led by Dr Mariangela Catuogno.

The initiative stems from the Municipality of Lacco Ameno’s desire to make this archaeological artefact accessible to an ever-wider audience, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to discover at close quarters an important testimony to the island’s ancient history.

The votive relief tells the story of the connection between past communities, the worship of water and the area’s natural resources. Its exhibition therefore provides an opportunity to deepen understanding of the island’s archaeological heritage and appreciate the importance of its preservation and promotion.

The artefact’s arrival at the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum was made possible through collaboration with the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN), which has loaned the piece as part of an institutional partnership that also involves the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape for the Metropolitan Area.

The guided tours form part of this cultural heritage promotion initiative and aim to transform the museum into a place of learning and participation, capable of connecting ancient history with the contemporary community.

The votive relief is scheduled to remain on display until 30 November 2026.

With “Donum dedit: Apollo and the Nymphs of Nitrodi”, the Municipality of Lacco Ameno renews its commitment to promoting knowledge and access to cultural heritage, ensuring that this precious testimony to the past can be rediscovered and shared by as many people as possible.

The guided tours are free of charge, subject to payment of the admission ticket to the Pithecusae Archaeological Museum at the applicable rates.

Advance booking is mandatory and must be made by emailing: museo@comunelaccoameno.it.