VOLTERRAIO
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From the top of its rocky peak, Volterraio is an impregnable fortification that has watched over the island of Elba since Etruscan times.
On the homonymous road that connects Rio nell'Elba to Magazzini, Volterraio is the fortification that has watched over the island of Elba since the Etruscans. It is possible to park your car in the square at the foot of the mountain, and then it is up to you to follow in the footsteps of those who once sought refuge in this impregnable fortress.
The foundation of Volterraio is lost in Etruscan legend, becoming an "inviolable fortress" after it was reinforced in 1281 by the Pisans during the raids by the Ottoman ships of Barbarossa and Dragut, which put the island of Elba to fire and blood. During the difficult sieges of 1544 and 1554, many of the island's inhabitants found refuge behind the solid walls of Volterraio which, since then, will always be historically considered the surveillance and defence point of the whole island territory.
Today Volterraio is unfortunately in a certain state of disrepair, but it has been purchased by the Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano (National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago), which is currently overseeing a restoration project.
Despite its current state, the climb is worthwhile (as it is not a simple one) to admire its majestic remains and enjoy a unique view of the Gulf of Portoferraio. Once you reach the top of the rocky peak, which stands about 400 metres above the bay, it is easy to understand why Volterraio was the only impregnable fortress on the island. Protector and guardian of the Elba, Volterraio is a must for your holiday.
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