storia, archeologia

Roman Villa of the Grotte

Portoferraio

Roman Villa of the Grotte

An incredible archaeological area overlooking the Gulf of Portoferraio that, between its terraces and a crystal clear sea, allows you to imagine all the luxury of a residence built for the rich Roman aristocracy of the early empire

Need to know

The Roman Villa delle Grotte is one of the luxurious maritime villas that dotted all the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, built by noble members of Rome's aristocratic classes for rest and recreation from the political commitments of the capital. The building, on two levels and overlooking the splendid gulf of Portoferraio, was built by members of the powerful Valerii family at the end of the 1st century BC. The Villa delle Grotte was the subject of a lengthy research project conducted by the University of Siena in collaboration with the Archaeological Superintendency of Tuscany and the Municipality of Portoferraio that led to the genesis of one of the most significant and exciting archaeological areas in the Tuscan Archipelago.
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Where it is located

Località Le Grotte 57037, Portoferraio LI

Contacts

Mines of Rio Marina

Strategic location for the large amount of hematite and limonite immediately identified by the emperor as soon as he landed on the island as a strategic-military axis.

Location: Rio Marina

Paolina Beach

The beach is named after the islet a few meters from the shore, itself named after Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister who, according to a legend (probably created by a tourism entrepreneur in the 1960s) loved to sunbathe on these rocks.

Location: Marciana

San Martino Villa

Designated as a summer residence, Napoleon purchased the property from the Manganaro family in 1814, with the intention of transforming it into a comfortable and refined abode that would have nothing to envy from Parisian residences.

Location: Località San Martino (Portoferraio)

Mulini Villa

Built in 1724 by Grand Duke Gaston de’ Medici, it was Napoleon’s city residence during his first stay on Elba Island.

Location: Portoferraio

Sanctuary of Monserrato

It was built as a sign of gratitude in 1606 by José Pons y León of the Dukes of Arcos, Spanish governor of Naples and first governor of the square of Longone (part of the state of principals). In September 1814 Napoleon, accompanied by Pons and Bertrand wanted to visit the sanctuary.

Location: Località Monserrato (Portoazzurro)

MUM Mineralogical Museum

While the Elban economy today is based on tourism, the fact remains that the people of San Piero and the west coast (Pomonte) have also lived and continue to live off their granite and marble

Location: San Piero in Campo

Port and Tower of Marciana Marina

Visit the harbor where Maria Walewska landed and the armed watchtower visited by Napoleon himself in 1814

Location: Marciana Marina