On the 10-year anniversary of the passing of Antonio Mattera, an iconic figure of the Aragonese Castle of Ischia, his son Giovanni Mattera presents an exclusive exhibition of his father’s photographic and pictorial works. The exhibition offers an intimate look at the life and work of Mattera, whose commitment to the preservation and enhancement of Ischia’s Aragonese Castle has left an indelible mark on the history and culture of this place.

Biography:Antonio Mattera, third of four children, spent his childhood in the Aragonese Castle, property of his father Nicola Ernesto Mattera, a lawyer who bought the castle in 1912. After a stint in the navy in Taranto, Antonio returned to Ischia in the 1950s, working alongside his father in the legal profession and supporting him in the restoration work on the castle. Upon his father’s death, Antonio Mattera dedicated his life to the restoration of the Aragonese Castle, working to restore splendor to numerous points of the historic complex, including the Church of S. Pietro a Pantaniello, the Terrazzo degli Ulivi, the Bourbon Prison and many others. It is thanks to his work that a large part of the Castle today has become a popular destination for tourists and scholars. Date of Birth: June 4, 1927 Place of Birth: Castello Aragonese, Ischia

Artistic Contributions: A passionate artist, Antonio Mattera is also an admirer and collector of art, particularly the works of the Forian painter Bolivar. Since the 1990s, he has organized exhibitions in the Castle, creating a synergy between ancient architecture and contemporary art. Date of Death: Nov. 19, 2013 Legacy: The management and love for the Aragonese Castle is now in the hands of son Giovanni Mattera, a continuer of his father’s vision.

The Exhibition Title: “Portraits” by Antonio Mattera Description: This exhibition celebrates the life and work of Antonio Mattera, exploring his dual role as restorer and artist. The photographs, developed by Mattera himself in a darkroom, document his life in the Aragonese Castle. The paintings on display, the result of his passion for painting, are an extension of his love for art and culture.

Works in Exhibition: – Photographs documenting his life. – Historical photographs of the Aragonese Castle, with a focus on the restoration and transformation of the site. – Paintings by Antonio Mattera, including portraits of people who lived around him and the Castle.

Creator: Giovanni Mattera

Curator: Simona Di Paolo