A trip to the Volterraio Fortress: the history of the Island of Elba surrounded by unique panoramas.
The Volterraio Fortress is located 394 meters above sea level. on the mountain of the same name, on the municipal border between Portoferraio and Rio nell’Elba
From Cavo, take the road to Rio Marina and then Rio nell’Elba. From the roundabout continue along the Via del Volterraio which begins to climb up to about 400 meters above sea level. During the climb you can admire the green hills of the eastern part of the island, Rio Marina and the Tuscan coast.
Arriving at about 400 meters, a curve, the last of the climb, completely changes the view: a spectacle of nature opens up, with the northern part of the island, the bay with Portoferraio and the island of Capraia on the horizon. A cool parking lot under the pine forest allows you to stop and admire every detail.
From this point you can reach the recently renovated Volterraio Fortress dating back to the 11th century. It is a “high sea fortress” necessary for the strategic importance acquired by the island of Elba in the Tyrrhenian Sea and for the presence of precious mineral resources.
The site has been frequented since ancient times, many materials dating back to the Etruscan and Roman age have been collected over time.
Continue the road that descends towards Porteferraio and after a few curves, the spectacle that this panoramic road offers does not end. After a small bottleneck, a new glimpse opens up, the whole southwestern part of Elba, with the Gulf of Lacona and Laconella and Mount Capanne, which reaches 1019 meters in height, in the background.
TO VISIT THE CASTLE
Entrance inside the Castle is subject to a fee. The visit times vary according to the season. For information call INFO PARK tel 0565.908231. Reservations are required at the INFO PARK. However, you can reach and visit from the outside freely and for free because the structure has been made safe.
