Granite goat stalls on the Island of Elba

Sheep and goat farming was very important on the western side of the Island of Elba. The highest number of sheep and goats could be found on Monte Capanne mountain and even today you can still see many of the granite goat stalls, (or shelters): obvious proof of this ancient type of farming on the territory.

The so called caprili were where the cheese was made: they consisted of round, dry granite constructions used as enclosures or shelters for the herd and also used as stalls or pens, where fresh and simple cheese was made; the shepherds took shelter here too when the weather was bad. They were round and built in dry granite and covered with a dome shaped roof made with pieces of granite that was water proof but at the same time high enough to allow the shepherd to light a fire inside. They also had a small door and opening facing the area where the wind was less strong.

The routes that the shepherds took, usually along the paths on the south western side of the Island of Elba but often choosing other routes, mean that today you can still see many different shapes of granite goat stalls that are still in good condition even though they are less known because they are often far from the routes that were more frequently used; in short, a clear sign of the world of the shepherds of the past.