The Commune of Capoliveri

This small commune 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 livliest and most characteristic towns, rich in fascinating history.

The town's 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.

Both its name and its origins go back to Roman times, and Caput Liberum, meaning Colle di Libero, that is "sacred to Bacco" described it as a place rich in vineyards that gave excellent wine.

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 San Michele Church, a Romanesque style place of worship, where Pope Gregory XI held mass in 1376.

The commune is divided into four districts: il Fosso (the Ditch), la Torre (the Tower), la Fortezza (the Fortress) and the Baluardo (the Bulwark), and every September 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 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: Morcone, 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 rides into 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 below the town and walk up to the Town hall where a two minute walk takes you into 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.

Legend of points of interest

Churches and sancturies

Forts and fortresses

Museums

Groups di points of interest: zoom in to see them (the icon may vary in colour and size).

5 places to visit that can be seen on the map
The map has already been laid out at a zoom level that enables you to see all the points of interest.