Portoferraio's fortifications once contributed to the defense and military security of the town. Today, the forts and walls that frame its enchanting territory remind us of the glorious past of the ancient "Cosmopolis" and make this village one of the most evocative for its historical richness.

Getting to Portoferraio by ferry. The main ferry route connecting the Tuscan coast with Elba is Piombino-Portoferraio. The latter is one of the most important cities on the island: founded at the behest of Cosimo I De'Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, the ancient Cosmopoli was built to stem Turkish-Barbarian pirate raids.

The fortified port overlooking the Mediterranean. Arriving by ferry, you will first catch a glimpse of the northeastern part of the fortifications, where the grand 18th-century lighthouse, included in the older Medici fortification of Forte Stella, towers above. There is no doubt about it: Portoferraio is one of the most fascinating fortified ports in the Mediterranean, and it is easy to see why: the forts and walls are built on the basis of perfect geometric ratios, following the dictates of arcane philosophies and symbolism that characterized the Renaissance. A visit to the fortifications is worth at least a day's exploration. An ingenious water system of rainwater supply means that even today large pools can be found in the city's basement.

The city walls that embrace the town. Renaissance architects Bellucci and Camerini were able to adapt the mighty fortifications to the conformation of the terrain of this small peninsula, adjacent to the roadstead, so the entire fortified town is developed within multiple city walls that start from sea level: Blocco della Linguella to the east and Fronte di attacco to the west protect the gulf and rise to the top where Fort Falcone (known as "the fortress within the fortress") towers to the northwest, and on the opposite side, to the northeast, Fort Stella, all connected by ramparts and covered walkways. A visit to Fort Falcone, an impressive 2360-square-meter structure and recently restored, is a must: in its evocative interior spaces, interspersed with narrow passages, loopholes, bastions and tunnels, it is possible to visit the exhibition on the historical origins of Medicean Portoferraio.