ISCHIA, Italy – The prominent ‘Le Fumarole’ restaurant and beach club, located on the picturesque Maronti beach, precisely on the border between the municipalities of Barano and Serrara Fontana, has been seized by the Carabinieri of the Ischia Company. This action follows an investigation by soldiers from the Barano station, who uncovered a pattern of alleged building abuses dating back to 1968, leading to the construction of a tourist complex spanning approximately 2,500 square meters.
Decades of Unauthorised Construction Uncovered
The seizure order, issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, encompasses the entire area, including excavations into the rocky slope, the construction of walls, a 52-square-meter terrace, retaining walls, and various other structures. Investigators assert that all these constructions were carried out without the necessary permits. Furthermore, any applications for amnesty would be deemed inapplicable in an area like Maronti beach, given the numerous environmental restrictions it is subject to.
A note released by the Carabinieri highlighted an “irreversible orographic transformation,” underscoring how some of the executed works have permanently altered the landscape of the area. Following an initial seizure by authorities in June of the previous year, the owners, Nicola and Lucia Di Meglio, have now been served with an order mandating them to vacate the premises within 20 days, pending further legal proceedings that will determine the future of the establishment.
VIP Hotspot Under Scrutiny
This seizure represents a significant blow to the local area, particularly from a culinary perspective, as ‘Le Fumarole’ has consistently been lauded for its excellence. During the summer months, its exclusive location and proximity to the village and port of Sant’Angelo made it a favored destination for numerous celebrities. Among its notable clientele were Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, actress Sabrina Ferilli, Luca di Montezemolo, Lapo Elkann, and many prominent footballers.
Another High-Profile Seizure on Ischia
This incident follows closely on the heels of another high-profile seizure on the ‘Green Island’ just days prior. The Guardia di Finanza recently seized the luxury resort ‘Costa del Capitano,’ also located in close proximity to Sant’Angelo. In that case, investigators were focused on alleged and serious building abuses, including guest rooms carved directly into the cliff face. These consecutive actions underscore a heightened focus by Italian authorities on illegal construction practices in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly those frequented by high-profile individuals.
The ongoing investigations are expected to shed further light on the extent of illegal construction on Ischia and the measures authorities will take to address these long-standing issues. The future of ‘Le Fumarole’ and its owners remains uncertain as the legal process unfolds.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/25_dicembre_11/ischia-sequestrato-il-complesso-turistico-dei-maronti-le-fumarole-abusi-edilizi-dal-1968-e-scavi-nella-roccia-99eec815-6753-42f5-99e1-308780994xlk.shtml
