History

timeless emotions...

History has shown that the Island of Elba has always been a theatre of important events: all Mediterrean civilizations through the ages have left a trace of their passage. Nature, art and millenary culture held in a microcosmo of 224 sq. kilometres have created a unique atmosphere, evocating extraordinary scenes, fruit of encounters between the peoples. According to mythological narration it was at Porto Argoo, the actual Capo Bianco that Jason stopped over at during his adventurous research for the golden fleece. As related by Virgil in Aeneid, 300 Elban youths sailed from this same bay taking aid to Pio Enea in his fight against the Rutuli. For the Etruscans Elba was an inexhaustible source of wealth, as early as the eighth century B.C. they exploited the mines and exported the ore mainly to the southern Mediterranean area making enormous profits. Their ovens became numerous and the ore smelted day and night, the glow of the charcoal furnaces as related by Aristotle gave origin to the name "Aethalia" (meaning spark) attributed to Elba by Greek navigators. After five centuries of Etruscan domination all that remains are several necropolis, a few remains of furnaces, numerous "hill villages" integrated into incomparable surroundings.

With the decline of the Etruscans, the Romans inherited the steel and iron industry but also exploited the granite quarries and discovered the curative mud baths of San Giovanni, the beauty of the landscape and the excellent wines. Plinio il Vecchio named it "the island of good wines". With the Romans began a flourishing trade of ships laden with amphorae many of which are conserved, together with with other amazing finds restituited by the sea, in the Archeological Museum of the Linguella in Portoferraio: they relate an interesting story of ancient navigation. On the attractive bays of the Linguella, Le Grotte and Capo Castello sumptuous patrician villas were built, today still as delightful as ever.

During the Middle Ages it was the turn of the Maritime Republic of Pisa to exploit the iron ore mines and granite quarries: most of the columns embellishing the "Piazza dei Miracoli" were sculptured by the skilful stone masons of San Piero. Of the Pisan domination much evidence remains, the refined romanesque churches and the Torre di San Giovanni in Campo, built on an enormous granite block, the imposing "Fortezza" of Marciana and the Volterraio castle, sentinels of both land and sea.

In 1548 the Medici family and Cosimo 1st fortified the town of Portoferraio, a true jewel of military planning. The harmony merging sea, land and architecture was so perfect that the new town was named Cosmopoli "a cradle of civilization and culture" a perfect model of equilibrium and functionality.

Soon after the Spaniards established themselves in Porto Azzurro and built not only the mighty fort of San Giacomo (today a prison), but a number of chapels and the charming sanctuary of Monserrato beautifully set amongst pinnacled mountains.

During the 18th century Elba was contended by the Austrians, Germans, English and the French with frenetic diplomatic negotiations and fierce battles until eventually it was given to Napoleon Bonaparte with "full proprietary and sovreignty". After governing Elba for 10 months he left significant traces of his short stay, he built roads, riorganized the mining economy, increased the production and exportation of the local wines. From an ancient deconsecrated church he made a charming theatre, which, thanks to a clever restoration is today home to important international cultural events.

On his return to France for his last fateful hundred days, Napoleon left two Elban residences, both of which are now national museums frequented by thousands of visitors each year.

And the "spell" continues ... a popular theme for the "macchiaoli" (Florentine impressionist painters), Elba remains an important "venue" for italian and foreign artists.

Elba does not only mean seaside

Elba does not only mean seaside, it also offers endless surprises to its hosts, and these can be best enjoyed during spring and autumn, when the island reveals its deepest essence. Luxurious bushes made of colours and perfumes, the pine woods, the chestnut woods, the ilex woods, the agaves and the Indian figs of the sunny south coasts: this is a corner of the world that has been able to preserve, next to the modern age, the old age and an evoking uncontaminated wilderness.

Nature has been particularly generous with this island and has granted a wide variety of aromatic and therapeutic plants that flourish spontaneously thanks to the mild climate and to the fertile soil. Already in the 16th century these plants were classified and studied by doctors and scientists.

And yet more memory of times gone-by during which this little island was fought over by all the big powers.

And the richness of its subsoil, well known since ancient times: the east side is a paradise for geologists and all those who like to seek out rare stones.

The mild days in spring and autumn are particularly inviting for long horseback or mountain-bike outings. Sports lovers only need to ask: tennis, golf, daring sports such as parachuting and, of course, all the sea sports. Some excellent schools will help beginners, while the more expert sportsmen can witness very strong emotions.