HISTORICAL FIGURES OF FORIO

There are so many iconic figures who have made the history of Forio and the entire island of Ischia, on our blog we have many times recounted myths and legends, stories of courage, ingenuity, and devotion, and there are many characters who have dedicated their lives in handing down the ancient folk traditions.  At the turn of the 1980s and for several decades one of the most influential figures was undoubtedly Don Michele Romano, the "parish priest" and spiritual guide of countless faithful people in the Torrione municipality. A devout and military man of the Lord, Don Michele Romano was a man dedicated to his country, an art lover, a poet and philosopher, and a lover of the history of Forio and people’s culture and beliefs. In this perspective is placed his census of the Maioliche Votive, small altars embedded in niches carved into the walls of houses, often used as a reference point for wayfarers and peasants of the time, but also real aedicules inserted in architectural ornaments. It is not uncommon to spot them above the ancient lava stone gates in the historic part of the town. A collection of images that tell the story of Forio, describing places that are often hidden and little exploited, but which are for lovers of Trekking and nature real unspoiled gems, with writings in ancient Forio, with a double translation of phrases in Forio dialect rewritten both in Neapolitan and Italian with evidence and linguistic influences of distant cultures and nations, such as France, Spain, but also Angevins, Bourbons, Turks.  The parish priest was the first military chaplain of the Interforce Missile Base in Sardinia, a wanderer of the Church throughout the peninsula, he was always active, especially in the spiritual guidance of the many young people who followed him, if the many churches in Forio today are more beautiful and modern it is due to his constant commitment and will.  Don Michele Romano's relationship with Zi Carmela is endless, spiritual memory of our facility and confidant of both our family and staff, he blessed our walls several times before each working season and we have in our lobby a testimony that fits perfectly with the world of vacations, courtesy of one of our employees, a direct nephew of the pastor, who learned of the beautiful union between Zi Carmela and his uncle, we have an antique suitcase dating back to the 1950s, a suitcase rich in history, traditions, travel, a suitcase of a pastor who grew up in faith and devotion to his community.