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History of the Island of Elba

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  1. Island of Elba
  2. Discovering Elba
  3. History of Elba
    • Following the footsteps of Napoleon
    • From the Argonauts to Barbarossa
    • The Appiani dominion
    • The Medici and Cosmopoli
    • The Spaniards
    • Contemporary history in Elba
    • The history of the mines

Historical notes concerning Elba and its origins

The moment we think of Elba four things come to mind: the wonderful sea around the island, the lush, green Mediterranean bush, the magnificent beaches with all the unique inlets, and, last but not least, Napoleon, even though he only stayed on the island for less than a year.

The history of this island, however, isn't limited to the mere ten months of the French Emperor's stay, but starts much further back in time: it starts in the Middle and Upper Paleolith; there is proof of this in the Archaeology Museum in Marciana, along with evidence from Saint Giuseppe's eneolithic burial and from the subapennine villages on the Marciana mountainside, as told by Doctor Umberto Gentini, ex Director of the Tuscan Archipelago Tourism Promotion Office.

"History has chosen the island of Elba as its theatre where important events are shown: every Mediterranean civilization has left proof of its presence on the island. Nature, art and ancient culture are all held in 224 square metres of microcosm, creating a unique atmosphere, bringing breathtaking views back to life, all this thanks to past civilizations.

According to mythological tales, Giasone stopped in Porto Argon, now called Capo Bianco, during his adventurous search for the Golden Fleece; and according to Virgil's Aeneid, three hundred young men from Elba set sail from Porto Argon to offer their assistance to "Pio Enea" in his difficult fight against the Rutuli. As regards the Etruscans, Elba proved to be an unlimited source of richness: the mines were already being exploited as far back as the VIII century BC and the iron being exported all over the Mediterranean, bringing the Etruscans much wealth.

In this way the first ovens were born, in which minerals were melted night and day, and according to Aristotole, this gave way to the name Aethalia, or spark, a name given to Elba by the Greek sailors. The five century rule of the Etruscans can be seen today in the various necropolis, or what remains of the ovens, or the numerous "hillside villages" standing out from breathtaking surroundings.

As the Etruscan rule came to an end, the Romans not only inherited their iron and steel industry but also improved the granite deposits and discovered the mud baths in the Terme San Giovanni, not to mention the beautiful landscapes and excellent wines.

To quote Plinio il Vecchio "The Island of Good Wine", and this explains the many ships carrying amphoras full of wine, many of which can be admired in the Archaeology Museums in Portoferraio and Marciana. These, along with amazing findings the sea has brought in, telling us the story of ancient sailings. The magnificent patrician villas in La Linguella, Le Grotte and Capo Castello were built in some of the island's most beautiful gulfs, and even today are places of absolute bliss.

During the Middle Ages it was the turn of the Maritime Republic of Pisa's to exploit the iron mines and granite deposits in Elba: indeed most of the columns in Piazza dei Miracoli were made from skilled stone-cutters from San Piero. There is much proof of the Pisan presence too: the elegant Romanesque churches and the tower of San Giovanni in Campo, built on a giant granite rock, but above all the majestic "Fortress" in Marciana and the Volterraio castle, standing on guard to protect the mountains and the sea.

The Medici arrived in 1548: Cosimo I built the fortified town of Portoferraio, considered a military gem. The harmony between sea, land and architecture was so perfect that the new town was given the name of Cosmopoli, "heart of civilization and culture, a perfect example of balance and rationality".
Immediately afterwards the Spanish settled in Porto Azzurro and built not only the majestic Forte San Giacomo, today a prison, but also various chapels, as well as the suggestive Santuario of Monserrato, set on a high "dolomitic" mountain.

In the XVIII century, the Austrians, the Germans, the English and the French fought to rule over Elba, going from frenetic diplomatic discussions to fierce battles, until it was given to Napoleon Bonaparte as "sole owner and leader". In only ten months of ruling he left very significant signs: he built roads, reorganized the mining economy, increased the wine production and exportation.
He made a nice theatre out of an ancient, deconsecrated church; the building has since been restored to perfection and today important cultural meetings are often held there.
When he returned to France for his famous hundred days, he left two residences that are now National Museums visited by thousands of people every year.

But there is more magic yet to come. Elba is the Macchiaiolo painters' paradise; both national and international artists get together in discreet meeting places, and open their mind and their heart to memories.

Following the footsteps of Napoleon

The story of the exile of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte on the Island of Elba: 1814-1815. His works and his women.
The arrival in Elba
The emperor chose the Island of Elba for his 10 month exile

The first night
Napoleon is given hospitality, on the night of his arrival, in the Town building in Portoferraio.

The Villa dei Mulini
Napoleon found the perfect place to stay: the Villa dei Mulini in the old historical part of Portoferraio.

Napoleon and Elba
The intense military, economic and social work carried out by Napoleon while he was exiled on the island

The Villa in San Martino
Napoleon buys the Villa in San Martino as his summer residence and love nest with Maria Luisa.

Madame Mère's arrival
On August 2nd Napoleon's mother, Letizia, goes to Portoferraio where she remains until the end of her son's exile.

Love story with Maria Walewska
Napoleon's lover arrives in Elba on September 1st 1814, and went with him to the Madonna del Monte hermitage, a much loved place of Napoleon.

Paolina Borghese and her parties
The third lady who made Napoleon's 300 days in Elba more pleasant was Paolina Borghese, his sister.

Napoleon leaves Elba
Napoleon didn't flee from Elba, but organized his departure many days before.

From the Argonauts to Barbarossa

From the Argonauts to Barbarossa's conquest and loot, via the Etruscan dominion.

The Appiani dominion

At the end of the 14th century the Appiani, from Piombino, Pianosa and Montecristo, took over from the Pisans.

The Medici and Cosmopoli

Under the Medici, Portoferraio was fortified and became a strategic Mediterranean port.
Cosmopoli
The city fortified by Cosimo I de' Medici, thought up as a military defence with the aim of defending the coasts of the grand duchy of the Island of Elba.

The Order of the Knights of Santo Stefano
The Order of the Knights of Santo Stefano was created by Cosimo I° de' Medici and was similar to the one that already existed, the Knights of Malta.

The Cosimo l de' Medici bust
The bust, escorted by Camerini, who describes it as being twice Cosimo's natural size down to his belt, was brought to Portoferraio on November 15th 1557.

Cosmopoli today
Discovering the history of Cosmopoli by going round the walls of the old part of the city and the port or following the old roads of the city.

Five hundredth anniversary birth Cosimo de' Medici
The Island of Elba celebrates the five hundredth anniversary of the birth of Cosimo l de' Medici: special events, historical remakes and parades.

The Spaniards

The Spaniards ruled over the eastern part of Elba, Porto Azzurro and Rio, for 150 years, and built fortifications

Contemporary history in Elba

From the Congress of Vienna to the boom in tourism: the history of Elba via the Unification of Italy and the two World Wars.

The history of the mines

The iron ores in Elba are among the oldest mines in the world.
Rio Marina: the iron capital
The transformation of Rio Marina from a sea town to an important iron and steel centre.

Mining Capoliveri
The history of the mines in Capoliveri: from the Etruscans to the boom in tourism of the 60s.

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  • Get to Elba
  • How to get there
  • Ferries
  • Getting about on the island
  • Hire
  • Stay
  • Accommodation that is open all year round
  • Hotels
  • Residences
  • Bed & Breakfasts
  • Apartments
  • Small villas and detached houses
  • Villas
  • Farm holiday centres
  • Campsites
  • Camper and caravan
  • Farm holiday campsites
  • Luxury accommodation
  • Tourist agencies and realtors
  • Eat
  • Restaurants and Pizzerias
  • Food & Wine Experience
  • Local recipes
  • Wines
  • Herbs and typical products
  • Typical dishes
  • Useful information
  • ElbaOK Insurance
  • Useful phone numbers and addresses
  • Weather
  • Webcams
  • Apps for your smartphone
  • Visit Elba
  • Beaches and coasts
  • Places to see
  • Tuscan Archipelago National Park
  • Guided excursions
  • Useful advice
  • Maps of the Island of Elba
  • I am...
  • Recommended itineraries
  • Sports and free time
  • Water sports
  • Land sports
  • Elba not to be missed
  • Outdoor sports
  • Enjoyment and relaxation
  • Courses and study trips
  • Shopping
  • Special events and exhibitions
  • Discovering Elba
  • How many beaches are there in Elba?
  • Paths and tracksin Elba
  • Elba in winter
  • Interesting facts
  • History of Elba
  • Geology of Elba
  • Towns of Elba
  • Media Gallery
  • Webcams

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