Rio

Rio, famous for its iron mines dating back to Etruscan times, was the mining heart of the island.

A wide variety of minerals, the Rio People's Collection, is on display in the local Mining District Archaeological Museum. Other places of historical and cultural interest are the Volterraio Castle, the imposing fortress in the vicinity of the village, the Parish Church of SS. Giacomo and Quirico, the Hermitage of Santa Caterina, the Elban Orto dei Semplici, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, known as the Church of the Padreterno. Also part of the municipal territory is the islet of Cerboli, a naturalistic gem of the Tuscan Archipelago.

Just a short walk from the historic center is the charming, recently restored Fonte dei Canali, formed by five mouths and fed by a rich spring. Instead, next to the Canals you will have the opportunity to visit the Public Lavatories, a striking structure with a trussed ceiling and large windows. Fed from the same source as the Canali, the wash houses were used until the 1980s.

Between the Fonte dei Canali and the Lavatoi Pubblici, it is also possible to visit the Rio Park House, open from April to October, run in collaboration between the Municipality of Rio and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park: the facility, in addition to being an information point on the flora and fauna of the area, also organizes free guided walks, nature excursions or specific events related to the Walking Festival. Absolutely unmissable experiences to explore the area in its most hidden corners and breathe in the magical Elban atmosphere.