Fortress of Giogo

The Giove or Giogo Tower is located at the top of Mount Giove, which dominates the underlying mines of Rio Marina from above.

There are different opinions about the name of the tower, which stem from tradition: one traces the term “giogo” to the Latin iugum, referring to the “saddle-like” geographical formation of the hill on which the fortification stands; another refers to the divinity of Jupiter, for whom, according to a legend, a Roman temple was built right at the top of the hill, where the fortress would later be constructed.

The current tower was built in 1459 by the Appiani family and still represents a clear example of late medieval military architecture.

The tower, rectangular in shape and entirely surrounded by walls and a moat, had its main entrance to the south: a relatively small arched opening, protected by a drawbridge. The tower, which stood on a base surrounded by sloping walls, rose in three floors with vaulted ceilings. Access was from the east, while the terrace, uncovered and protected by battlements, was mainly used for lighting signal fires.

The fort played an important role in controlling maritime traffic and the mines, but it was also used as a refuge for the population of the nearby Grassera village, although it was unable to defend the local population. During the invasions of 1534 and 1553 by the Turks led by Barbarossa and Dragut, the tower was stormed and heavily damaged, resulting in the destruction of the village of Grassera and the deportation of some of its inhabitants as slaves.

The building also suffered numerous sieges in the 17th century, during the Spanish domination, which led to its ruin.

Today, this imposing building is unfortunately in a state of abandonment, and the marble coat of arms of the Appiani principality, which once adorned the main entrance, has been lost.

Nevertheless, it is worth climbing to the top of Mount Giove to enjoy the panorama from above: the channel that separates the Island of Elba from the Piombino coast, dotted with the islands of Palmaiola and Cerboli, the promontories of Populonia and Argentario, the entire eastern side of Elba, and the Island of Giglio.