 Friday, August 29, 2008 |
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CapoliveriThe Elba island's municipalitiesThe antique Caput Liberum o colle libero (free hill) is a small town resting on a rocky hilltop at 413 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.
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. Places of cultural and historical interest: Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazia, Forte Focardo,Cappella S.Gaetano. Beaches: Barabarca (sabbia), Calanova (sabbia), Felciaio (sabbia), Ferrato (sabbia), Innamorata (sabbia), Lacona (sabbia), Lido (sabbia), Madonna delle Grazie (sabbia e ghiaia) Margidore (sabbia e ghiaia), Morcone (sabbia), Naregno (sabbia), Norsi (Ghiaia), Pareti (sabbia), Remaiolo (sabbia e ghiaia), Straccoligno (sabbia), Zuccale (sabbia). Hamlets: Lacona, Lido, Innamorata, Madonna delle Grazie, Morcone, Naregno, Pareti. Official site: www.elba-capoliveri.net |
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