
Foto: Iskra Krempelmay |
During the roman period the Gulf of
Portoferraio contained two villas, used by rich romans for their vacation. The remainder
of the second villa can be visited beside the "Torre del Martello", just behind
the Archaeological Museum of Portoferraio.
The "Villa delle Grotte" was built during the 1st. century b.C and
already abandoned during the 2nd. century a.C.. Between the 4 th. and the 6th. century the
ruins were most probably occupied by hermit monks. During the years 1799 - 1802 Elba was
the battleground between the French and the garrisons loyal to the grand duke of Tuscany,
supported by elban insurgents and the British Marine. It was during these difficult years
that the external walls of the villa were distroyed in order to instal a group of siege
cannons.
The finds made during the excavations in the 60th. can be seen at the
Archaeolocical Museum "della Linguella" in Portoferraio. Opening hours:
From Eastern to September 30th.open every day. - Entrance: free of charge |