5 things to see on the Island of Elba (apart from the beaches)

Most people think that the Island of Elba is just crystal clear sea and enchanting beaches. Instead, there is much more. The island, in fact, thanks to its extraordinary historical, cultural and artistic heritage, manages to satisfy every type of traveller.

What to see (apart from the beaches) on the Island of Elba? We have selected for you 5 things not to be missed!

The National Museum of Napoleonic Residences

The National Museum of Napoleon’s Residences aims to preserve the memory of Napoleon Bonaparte’s stay on the island (from 4 May 1814 to 26 February 1815). It includes the Palazzina dei Mulini in the heart of Portoferraio and Villa San Martino in the countryside near Procchio. The Palazzina dei Mulini, chosen by the Emperor as his main residence for public life and representation, still preserves relics, furnishings and furniture dating back to the Napoleonic era and part of the interesting library (with works by Voltaire, La Fontaine and Plutarch). As for the extra-urban site, Villa San Martino, it was bought by Napoleon to make it his summer residence. Remaining uninhabited due to his departure from Elba, it was later bought by the Russian nobleman Anatolius Demidoff, who had the majestic neoclassical gallery built after him. It preserves period furnishings and a collection of 19th-century prints.

The Volterraio Fortress

The Volterraio Fortress is part of the rich medieval fortified defence system still present on the Island of Elba. It stands on the summit of a rise, between the municipalities of Portoferraio and Rio nell’Elba, and is the only Elban fortification that has never been conquered. It is believed that the name may derive from the Latin word Vultur (vulture) due to its position as a lookout, but it can perhaps be traced back to the Volterra architect Vanni Gherardo Rau, who oversaw its reconstruction in the 13th century. Although today it is reduced to the state of ruins, part of its original appearance can still be seen. Thanks to its panoramic position, it is one of the most suggestive places on the island from which to admire the sunset. The climb is a bit strenuous but it is well worth it.

The Rio Marina Mining Park

Among the things to see, we could not fail to mention the Rio Marina Mining Park. The island has always linked its fate and fortune to the abundant mineral deposits that have attracted traders and travellers since ancient times. The park, established in 1991, preserves a geological, mineralogical and historical mining heritage of exceptional value. Here, in addition to admiring a great variety of minerals, it is also possible to visit the mines. The visit begins in the museum, set up inside Palazzo del Burò, and then continues with an excursion on foot, by bicycle, on board a small train or a military off-road vehicle, always accompanied by expert environmental guides.

The Hermitage of St Catherine

On the slopes of Monte Serra, along the road connecting Rio nell’Elba to Nisporto, is the Hermitage of Santa Caterina, a centuries-old place of meditation and prayer built on the ruins of an earlier Roman place of worship. According to tradition, the hermitage was enlarged and embellished following an apparition of St Catherine to a shepherd boy, in memory of which a feast is celebrated every Easter Monday. The building, with a single nave and a broken gable façade, is decorated with a polychrome Baroque altar. Since the 1990s, the hermitage has been home to the Orto dei Semplici Elbano, a veritable living museum of plant species that aims to preserve and enhance the island’s original flora.

The Pisan Fortress

And finally, the imposing structure of the Pisan Fortress is undoubtedly worth a visit. Located in the highest part of the village of Marciana, it represents the historical landmark of the entire area. It was built in the 12th century, at the time of the Pisan Republic, as a defensive bulwark against pirate raids. In the southern bastion, you can admire an ancient dolium found in the excavations of the Etruscan fortress of Monte Castello di Procchio. Not to be missed is the walkway, from which you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the island. During the summer, the fortress hosts cultural events.

Photo gallery © Sistema Museale Arcipelago Toscano | FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano