The Commune of Capoliveri

This small town that sits high up on the hill at 167 metres above sea level was in the past linked to a mineral and agricultural economy; today, it is one of Elba's liveliest and most characteristic towns, rich in fascinating history.

The town's unusual and characteristic architecture makes you feel as though you are in a medieval town, with its narrow, picturesque alleys and archways called "chiassi", where small craftsmans' shops lie hidden, or where you can enjoy local dishes and very good wine.

Interesting fact: there are various opinions concerning both the meaning of the name and origins of the town, Caput Liberum that is "sacred to Libero", better known as Bacco or Dioniso, maybe means a  place rich in vineyards that gave excellent wine; or, as is more likely, the name might come from the actual conformation of the area on the island Capoliveri lies in; free, since it is surrounded by the sea.

During the Middle Ages, Capoliveri was fortified by the Pisans against the continuous Saracen pirate attacks. Proof of this period are the remains of the Church of San Michele, a place of worship built in Romanesque style, where Pope Gregory XI held mass in 1376.

The town is divided into four districts: il Fosso (the Ditch), la Torre (the Tower), la Fortezza (the Fortress) and il Baluardo (the Bulwark), and every October they celebrate the traditional Festa dell'Uva (Grape festival), confronting eachother amidst magnificent choreographies based on various themes of the grape harvest.

The Grape Festival is not the only cultural celebration organized in Capoliveri, there is also the Festa dell'Innamorata on July 14th, a legend about Lorenzo and Maria, a young couple who were very much in love; and in the first ten days of the month of May there is the Festa del Cavatore, in honour of the ancient mining origins of the Island.

The coastline is particularly beautiful, with its multitude of inlets and tiny bays surrounded by the unique beauty and typical perfumes of the Mediterranean scrub:the tiny inlets ofMorcone, Pareti and Innamorata, once tiny fishing villages and now beautiful holiday resorts, or the quiet beaches of Naregno, Madonna delle Grazie, Felciaio and Norsi, or the larger and busier Lacona, Lido and Margidore.

And in the evening... free bus rides to the centre!

During the summer months, there is a free shuttle bus service that leaves from the car parks at the bottom of Capoliveri (next to the cemetery and at the junction for Naregno); this way you can park your car in one of the big car parks at the foot of the town and walk up to the Town hall where a short walk takes you right to the old part of the town centre. It is an excellent, free service, definitely worth making the most of, since finding somewhere to park in Capoliveri after 9.00 p.m. is very difficult.

Interesting fact: the Patron Saint of Capoliveri is the Blessed Virgin Mary Assunta in cielo, celebrated on August 15th, but in Capoliveri they also celebrate Saint Rocco Of Montpellier on August 16th.
If you wish any further information concerning the special events that are held here please visit the www.elbaeventi.it website.