Capoliveri
The municipality of Capoliveri on the Island of Elba
Capoliveri is a small town resting on a rocky hilltop at 167 metres in altitude. Her past is tied to agricultural and mining activities but present day, Capoliveri is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic and active town centres, boasting a wealth.
Her narrow and picturesque streets and archways known as "chiassi" hide small boutiques selling locally made products and friendly eateries where one can sample some traditional cooking and fine local wines.
Its name and origins date back to the roman era of Caput Liberum or “sacred to Bacchus” which indicates that it was a region rich in vineyards and quality wine.
In the medieval period, the town of Capoliveri was surrounded by fortresses built by the Pisans in an effort to protect her from the bloody saracean pirates attacks. A reminder of this era can still be found at Capoliveri in the church of San Michele. Constructed in the then popular "romantic" style, this church was visited by Pope Gregory XI in 1376 whom celebrated a mass in the church.
The town is divided into four distinct "rioni" (quarters), Fosso, Torre, Fortezza and Baluardo. At the traditional Wine Festival held every year, they challenge each other in creating outstanding choreographies, all of which are centred around the main harvest theme.
The Wine Festival is not the only important cultural event in Capoliveri: on 14 July, the town celebrates the "Festa dell'Innamorata", an old legend that recounts the story of two young lovers, Lorenzo and Maria, and in the first decade of May, the Festa del Cavatore (Miner's Festival) is held in honour of the island's ancient mining traditions.
Of particular beauty is all of the coastline which includes the small inlets of Morcone, Pareti, and the Innamorata.Once small fishing centres, these areas have today become tourist villages like the beaches of Naregno, Madonna delle Grazie, Felciaio, Norsi or the more popular Lacona, Lido and Margidore.
In the evening a free bus runs up to the village of Capoliveri.
In the summer evenings in Capoliveri a free shuttle bus goes from the car parks at the foot of Capoliveri (near to the cemetery and the cross road to Naregno) allowing you to park in the large car parks below Capoliveri and be driven uphill to the village. It is an excellent free service which is well worth making use of also because it is very difficult to park up near Capoliveri after 9p.m.
Places of cultural and historical interest: Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie, il Forte Focardo, l'Abside della Cappella di S.Michele.
Capoliveri Beaches: Barabarca (sand), Calanova (sand), Felciaio (sand), Ferrato (sand), Innamorata (sand), Lacona (sand), Lido (sand), Madonna delle Grazie (sand and shingle) Margidore (sand and shingle), Morcone (sand), Naregno (sand), Norsi (shingle), Pareti (sand), Remaiolo (sand and shingle), Straccoligno (sand), Zuccale (sand).
Bus services for the beaches in Capoliveri
Capoliveri Hamlets: Lacona, Lido, Innamorata, Madonna delle Grazie, Morcone, Naregno, Pareti.
CAP (ZIP Code): 57031; Area Code: 0565
PIAZZA MATTEOTTI CAPOLIVERI VIRTUAL TOUR
(to see the virtual tour you must have Java installed on your computer)
This tour is designed by CT3D.it
Similar Information
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- Official site of Municipality of Capoliveri
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