An enchanting isle with a world of culture and history
Natural beauty, historical events, food & wine. When one examines any corner of Italy, it's a
mix of these elements which determines the location's ability to attract tourists. Nevertheless,
some places have a greater concentration of these attractions, offering travelers an endless
series of temptations. This is the case of Elba island
Stretching out off the coast of Tuscany, throughout its long history it has always been seen
as a place of extraordinary importance. Just think that when the city of Rome had yet to be
founded, Elba Island was already the heart of numerous commercial trades among the people who
inhabited the shores of the Mediterranean. Mining and ironworks were a particularly flourishing
trade, as the island's subsoil was rich in ferrous minerals.
This early industrial foundry was
established by the Etruscans. As early as the 8th Century BC, they were producing handmade items
that were exported to what they then considered to be the edges of the earth (that is, throughout
the Mediterranean area). Just to give you an idea of how widespread the iron trade was on the
island, Aristotle tells us that the Greek sailors traveling through that area of the sea nicknamed
it ethalia (meaning "spark") because of the sparks and flames that leapt out of the furnaces used
to smelt the precious metal, furnaces that were lit day and night along the steep shores.
The Romans, instead, introduced winegrowing and Isola d'Elba - the iron capital - then became "the
island of fine wine", with a constant flow of ships loaded with amphorae sailing back and forth
between the island and the mainland. After the Middle Ages and the dominion of the Republic of Pisa,
Elba went under the control of the Medici family of Florence. Cosimo I ordered the fortified city of
Portoferraio to be built following strict principles of military architecture yet with the aim of
harmonizing the constructions with the natural surroundings, particularly the sea. The new citadel
was renamed Cosmopoli to emphasize how the architects wished to create the cradle of civilization
and a fine example of balance.
Naturally, moving on in our brief look back at the history of Elba, we must name the most famous
person to have resided there: French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. In ten months' time, Napoleon made
a series of reforms on the island by ordering the construction of architectural works such as roads,
reorganizing mining activities and increasing wine production. When he returned to France to meet
his fate, Napoleon left behind two homes on the island, which are now museums.
However, its long history is only one of the many captivating aspects of Elba island. Alongside this
are its natural beauties, its breathtaking seaside and its highly suggestive mountainous terrain. As
is true on any island, looking beyond canonical itineraries, what can be clearly seen on Elba is the
struggle and effort that have been made to find sustenance in the land and sea while resisting isolation
and adversity.
As could easily be expected, when it comes to the local cuisine, seafood reigns supreme. This is a
style of cooking made with a few, simple ingredients, such as stoccafisso alla riese, a traditional
dish made with salted anchovies, onions, tomato, basil, parsley, green bell pepper, black olives,
pine nuts and capers, and dressed in oil, hot pepper and salt. A triumph of Mediterranean cooking,
one might say.
Elba's positioning off the coast of Tuscany has naturally established a connection
between the cultural traditions of that area of the mainland and the island. Cacciucco is a fish
soup which finds a home on both shores, as do other great classics of marinara cooking, such as
boiled octopus and stuffed sardines.
As for wine, today we're far from the days of Napoleonic glory, and many of the former vineyards
are now urban areas, as the island is at times rather crowded. Nevertheless, Elba has maintained
its tradition of enological quality, as can be seen in its DOC wines Elba Bianco, Elba Rosso, Rosato,
Ansonica, Moscato and Aleatico.
How to get there
Go by ferry -- taking your car, as it a must to explore
the entire island. The ships start from Piombino. Bring a rental car with you on
the Ferry if you are coming via air, as the island
is fairly large and mass transit (don't think I saw any???) won't get
you to all the old hilltop towns or up the winding roads.
To see and to do...
Napoleon was banished to the island and both of his homes (summer & winter) are available to tour. You can hike, bicycle, swim or
walk around the plaza at night with the locals. Incredible beauty -
many, many small towns set on hilltops. Many castles. Flowers galore and
the interior is full of old, little viewed churches.
Napoleon's homes, bike, go to any one of 10 -12 beaches, drink
some local wine, hike, visit as many old castles, churches as you can.
Takes about 3 days to see the island and that still leaves many areas
untouched. In the summer Elba
becomes a day-tripper's nightmare with people from the mainland. Visit
in late May - June - even if it is slightly cooler at night.
