Bicentenary of Napoleon on the Island of Elba

2014 was a very important year for the Island of Elba, as it marked the Bi-Centennial of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile on the island.

In fact, the French Emperor arrived on Elba on May 3, 1814 at Portoferraio and disembarked the following day, May 4, where he stayed until February 26, 1815.

Napoleon's stay on Elba was a defining event in the island's development, where he ruled and brought significant innovations to the life of the Elban people, starting with the flag, which remains the same to this day and which the Emperor raised upon his arrival at the highest point of the city of Portoferraio.

The Elbans have remained very attached to Napoleon, and every year the 5th of May is celebrated with a mass at the Church of the Reverend Misericordia in Portoferraio in his honor.

The Napoleonic Bicentennial was celebrated with 10 months of festivals, musical events, and historical reenactments, which retraced the various phases of the exile, from the settlement to the "escape" from Elba, to remember the figure of the man who profoundly marked this land.

Noteworthy is the walking program "In the footsteps of Napoleon" as part of the Tuscany Walking Festival 2014. For hiking enthusiasts, there are many trails and guided tours to explore the Emperor's locations.