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| Location | Capoliveri – Capo Focardo |
|---|---|
| How to get there | To reach Forte Focardo from Capoliveri, follow the signs for Capo Perla (the turnoff is located on the road to Straccoligno). Shortly before reaching the end of Via Capo Perla, take the small, unmarked road on the left. The path is accessible only on foot, as it becomes narrow and unpaved after a few metres; from here, it is also possible to reach Capo Perla beach. |
| Info | As it is owned by the Navy, the interior of the structure is not open to visitors. |
Perched on a cliff overlooking the eastern coast of the Capoliveri promontory, Forte Focardo faces the sea between Naregno beach and Capo Perla, offering one of the most striking views on the island of Elba.
Built in 1678 during the Spanish domination of the island, the fort is named after Don Ferdinando Gioachino Foscardo di Roquentes e Zuniga, then Governor of the Piazza di Longone and Captain General of the Kingdom of Naples. The goal was clear: to strengthen coastal defences together with the nearby Forte di San Giacomo and to protect the hinterland from maritime attacks.
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the fortress was the site of numerous military events: it was assaulted by the imperial army during the War of the Spanish Succession, attacked by the French, and even looted by inhabitants of Capoliveri revolting against foreign occupation. In 1848, a lighthouse was installed on the structure, later classified as a fourth-order light, serving to mark coasts, ports, and hazards to navigation.
Curiosity: In the 1920s, the fort hosted one of Italy’s greatest writers, Raffaello Brignetti, who spent his youth here while his father served as the lighthouse keeper. The island was a great source of inspiration for the artist, and his time on Elba became a cherished memory.
The fort is characterised by its quadrangular star-shaped layout, with four angular bastions and two protruding ramparts. Massive sloped foundations adapt perfectly to the morphology of the promontory, while an ancient moat on the landward side provided additional protection.
The interior once housed buildings that served as a powder magazine and living quarters for the garrison. Today, although the interior cannot be visited, Forte Focardo offers breathtaking views: from here, one can take in Porto Azzurro, with Forte San Giacomo standing out, and in the distance the distinctive profile of Cima del Monte.
Infoelba recommends: From Capo Focardo, continue through the pinewood along the sea, enjoying enchanting glimpses, to reach the charming small cove below the fort and the [page id="305"]Naregno beach.
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