Napoleonic Villas on Elba
Napoleon’s Residences during his exile on Elba
Napoleon had two residences on the Island of Elba, both are to be found in Portoferraio. The first one, Villa dei Mulini, is located high up in the old town of Portoferraio, the other Villa San Martino, which was Napoleon’s summer residence, is to be found on the outskirts of Portoferraio.
Villa dei Mulini
Piazzale Napoleone (in the old town of Portoferraio) is the official residence of Napoleon and his court. It was built roughly a century before his arrival in the place of some windmills which had been built high up on the promontory to harness the sea breezes. There are some interesting period pieces, weapons, paintings, the Emperor’s library and a garden with a splendid view onto the gulf.
For information phone 0565 915846.
Villa San Martino
Loc. San Martino (5kms from Portoferraio)
Napoleon’s summer residence. It owes its present day aspect to Prince Demidoff, a distant relative of Napoleon, who bought the building in 1851 transforming it into a museum which was then called the Demidoff Gallery. The gallery houses the statue of “Galatea” by Canova which Napoleon’s sister Paolina Bonaparte Borghese sat for. The frescoes inside the villa are by the artist Ravelli.
For information phone 0565 914688.
