Park Authority offices in Marciana

The Park Authority offices in Marciana are near the Pisan Fortress.

They cover an area of 300 square metres divided into two main rooms dedicated to both the land and marine environments in the National Park. At the entrance you will see the information desk where you will be given the pamphlets made up by the Park Authorities, and if you wish a more detailed tour the fully qualified staff are at your disposal.

The first room you enter covers the land environment, with references to the genesis and geomorphological evolution of the western side of Elba and Monte Capanne; here there are minerals on show, that visitors are allowed to touch if they wish, as well as information and details about the local history and culture, like the agro-silvopastoral system used as well as the tools used by the farmers.

All the senses of the visitors will be stimulated during the visit, and in order to stimulate their sense of smell as well, there are also essence diffusers of the scents of the surrounding territory in the room.

There is also a large, wooden panel showing typical Mediterranea bush with a detailed description of the local plants and vegetation.

After the introduction that concerns the western side of Elba, you then move on to the eastern side; you will see drawings and photographs as well as samples of different types of sand, for example hematite, from that specific part of the island.

Once you go past the waterfall you will get to the second room of the Park Authority offices, and this is dedicated to marine life. There are two computers connected to the Park website as soon as you go in while on the walls you will see photos of both endemic plant and animal species.

On the opposite wall you will see a large, wooden panel showing the marine flora and fauna to be found along the sandy, rocky coasts of the Tuscan Archipelago.A special area gives information about the rare Audouin's Gull, emblem of the Park, with further information concerning the ecology of this bird that today is an endangered species; there are many photographs of both the animal and plant species to be found in the Park, and there is also an aquarium with fish from the Mediterranean as well as a poster with drawings of some cetaceans.

In the screening room you will see films and videos taken by the Park: first the introductory video, then one of the monk seal and Ardouin's Gull.