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| Location | between Portoferraio and Rio nell'Elba |
|---|---|
| How to get there | From Portoferraio, take the provincial road towards Porto Azzurro. After about 6 km, turn left towards Magazzini / Bagnaia and after about 1.5 km turn right towards Rio nell'Elba (the road is very steep and winding: drive carefully). Continue and on the left you will find a large parking area where you can leave your car. From here (50 meters ahead) a dirt path starts that leads to Volterraio Castle. Average time: 30 minutes uphill and 20 minutes downhill Length: about 1.4 km (round trip) Trail difficulty: hiking trail, uneven surface and steep incline Elevation gain: 190 m Trails: 255 |
| Two ways to visit | Guided tour of the Fortress: guided service along the trail and entrance to the Fortress. Fortress entrance: From June 15 to September 15, every day except Tuesday, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. You can reach Volterraio Castle on your own by hiking the trail and visit with the assistance of the Park Guide on site. |
| Prices | Guided tour: full price €20, reduced €10 for over 65 and residents of Tuscan islands, reduced €5 for resident over 65, free for children 0-12, resident students up to 19 years, disabled. The price includes round-trip transport, trekking, entrance, and guided tour with a Park Guide. Fortress entrance: full price €8, reduced €4 for over 65, residents of Tuscan islands and children 5-12 years, free for disabled and their companions, children 0-4 years and resident students in the Tuscan Archipelago (up to 19 years). The external visit is free and open to all. |
| Visitor experience | Suitable for families with children - Dogs allowed with specific rules - Great photo spot |
| Booking | Book online |
Volterraio Castle is the oldest fortification on Elba Island. The origin of its name is uncertain. Some scholars trace it back to Volterra or volterrano, attributing its foundation to the Etruscans. Others start from the same root, but link it to what is considered the true founder of the fortress, the architect Vanni Gherardo Rau, who was commissioned by the Pisans to oversee the reconstruction of the castle and who was originally from Volterra. Another hypothesis traces the name to the Latin Vultur (vulture), which once nested here.
Volterraio Castle is located on a rugged hilltop at 394 meters, visible from almost every point on the island and even from the ferry arriving in Portoferraio.
The site was chosen by the Etruscans to build the first lookout post. Climbing the mountain, on whose summit the castle stands, it is clear why this strategic position was chosen: on three sides the castle overlooks steep cliffs, allowing surveillance and defense of almost the entire Elban territory.
In 1281, the structure was expanded by the Pisans, who continued to use it for defensive purposes. Around 1440, as part of the strengthening of Elba's defenses ordered by Jacopo III Appiani, Lord of Piombino, it was enlarged and reinforced and continued to serve as a watchtower fortress with wide-ranging guard duties and defense of the entire Elban territory.
Volterraio Castle is one of the few Elban fortresses never conquered by the Turkish pirates who raided Elba several times: it was also used as a refuge by many Elbans who found shelter here during the sieges of 1544 and 1554.
Purchased by the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago in 1999, the castle was in a state of severe decay. In January 2016, the first phase of restoration works was completed to secure the fortress and restore some architectural elements including the original entrance, the perimeter walkway, and the recovery of the tower with walkway and the chapel.
On July 18, 2017, the results of the second phase of works were presented. The ancient access paths were improved, with wooden steps and handrails in the most difficult points, making the structure more accessible. In collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendency, the original paving was restored.
infoelba recommends: It's worth climbing to the top of the hill where Volterraio Castle stands to admire the majestic remains of the walls and enjoy an extraordinary view over central Elba, especially the Gulf of Portoferraio and, on the horizon, the wild island of Capraia and Corsica. The sunset view is absolutely not to be missed.
The structure of the Castle
Volterraio Castle is built on a hexagonal plan. The oldest parts of the castle are the defensive walls and the quadrangular tower, built in the best position for lookout. Thanks to a signaling system, it was possible to communicate from the watchtower with other towers on the island and even with the Tuscan coast.
The entrance to the tower is connected to the walkway by a wooden drawbridge.
In the corner facing the access side, the walkway widens into a small square, which was probably the most vulnerable point and where artillery was concentrated. Today it is an unparalleled panoramic terrace.
On the south side there is a ravelin with very high parapets, featuring numerous loopholes that served as additional defense for the entrance.
Download the Volterraio Castle brochure by the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago »
At the end of the restoration works, the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago commissioned a video to document the restoration of Volterraio Fortress.
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