Rock Church of San Nicola
A rock church is carved into the stone of greenish tuff on top of Monte Epomeo.
It is dedicated to San Nicola, who came from Licia (in present-day Turkey) and is a saint of the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.
Around the church is the Hermitage, perched on the cliff: the cells align in the tuff, alongside a vaulted corridor.
The cells receive light from the west thanks to small terraces, which seem to form eagle's nests.
Interior of the Church
The interior of the small church, carved in a vault, is painted with lime and features a majolica floor and a small marble balustrade, which separates the small nave from the presbytery.
The figure of the Saint stands out from a marble bas-relief.
Representation of San Nicola
S. Nicola is depicted in pontifical robes: the pastoral staff in his right hand, his left hand resting on the head of a devotee, who presents him with a chalice.
Above it reads:
C.C. FF. VINCENZO PASQUALE E BIELO TROFA CVRATVRI DELO CASALE DE FONTANA;
while below the image of the Saint it is written:
S. NICCOLAI (sic) MCCCCC A.D.V. DICEMBRO (sic).
Beneath the floor lie the mortal remains of Giuseppe D’Argouth, while in the main nave is the “sepulcrum fratrum”.
In the church is one of the most beautiful wooden crucifixes on the island.
History of the Church
The small church already existed before 1459 as it is mentioned by the author Giovanni Pontano when describing the battle between Giovanni d’Angiò, who was besieging the Castle of Ischia, and the troops of Admiral Giovanni Poo, who were carrying out the orders of King of Naples Ferdinand of Aragon.
It should also be noted that Epomeo and the nearby Monte della Guardia were excellent observation and signaling points for attacks by enemies and pirates.
Recognition and Patronage
In 1504, the rock church was canonically recognized as an ecclesiastical benefit, under the title of “S. Nicola di Monte Forte in casale Fontana”.
In 1512, Bishop Mons. Donato Stinco granted the right of patronage to Giovan Battista de Valle and his descendants.
In the 1600s, the first presences of hermits are recorded, who dedicated themselves to contemplation, prayer, and work, dressing like the friars of San Francesco d’Assisi.
In particular, the figure of Fra Giorgio il Bavaro is remembered.
Beatrice Quadra and the Poor Clares
Subsequently, Beatrice Quadra, a noblewoman, chose the hermitage as a retreat for the Poor Clares.
Unfortunately, due to the harshness of the climate, the nuns abandoned this place and moved to the Aragonese Castle.
Giuseppe D’Argouth
The second half of the 1700s is dominated by the noble figure of Giuseppe D’Argouth (of Flemish origin), a commander of the naval military who had participated in the war that Spain declared against Austria for the conquest of the Kingdom of Naples.
At the end of the war, from which Spain emerged victorious, King Charles III of Bourbon assigned Commander Giuseppe D’Argouth the command of the garrison stationed on the Island of Ischia.
The Ambush and Conversion
According to the anonymous Ultramontain, during his brief government, two soldiers from the garrison responsible for the island's vigilance decided to desert and took refuge among the chestnut groves of Epomeo.
The Commander, although offended and saddened by their behavior, went to look for them.
However, the two soldiers set an ambush for him and attempted to kill him.
D’Argouth, in a panic, called for the help of San Nicola and was saved by a miracle.
After this dramatic adventure, he stripped off his military garments and, following the teachings of San Francesco, decided to retreat to Monte Epomeo and live as a hermit.
Development of the Hermitage
The figure of D’Argouth leads to the development of a historical period rich in activity: Fra Michele Alemanno founded a hermitage aimed at living a pious and contemplative life.
The hermitage thus became a place of prayer and detachment from earthly things.
Structures of the Hermitage
Inside the Hermitage, there were six cells, a kitchen, a small grain mill, an oven, a wood storage, a refectory, and a cistern.
In addition to prayer, the friars dedicated themselves to cultivating the land, in order to accumulate provisions for the winter; they cut wood, mowed grass, and finally tended to a few goats.
Mass was celebrated on Sundays and holidays by Fra Nicola Ramy.
Death of Fra Giuseppe D’Argouth
Fra Giuseppe D’Argouth died at the age of 74 on August 17, 1778.
His funeral was popular because he was renowned for his holiness.
After the funeral ceremony, the coffin was buried in the small church of the hermitage.
After his death, the direction of the cenobium passed to Fra Michele, who led it for another twelve years.
The Hermitage of S. Nicola represented an oasis of peace and serenity for the hermits and for its visitors, who were amazed by the austere life of the Friars.
Disputes and Use During the War
The hermitage has been at the center of disputes for years between the municipality of Serrara and the beneficiaries of the Opera di San Nicola supported by the Bishop's Curia.
During World War II, it was used as a guard station.
The hermit Luigi Luongo promoted the feast of San Nicola: on December 6, pilgrims from all over the island, attracted by the barren scenery of Epomeo or out of devotion, go to the church and participate in the Mass celebrated there.
Opening to the Public
Today the church is open to the public on certain days of the week and is part of the municipality of Serrara Fontana.