Discover the charm of the Island of Elba from above ... IL VOLTERRAIO awaits you!
With the summer season and the numerous requests, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park Authority has organized an additional service of opening to the public to visit the fortress of Volterraio on the Island of Elba. From 11 May until 15 September, in fact, it will be possible to access the fortress of Volterraio, without a reservation, on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday from 17 to 20 hours with a brief visit (of about 15 minutes) with description of the characteristics historical and architectural features of one of the most loved places by the Elban people. The fortress on these dates will be manned by a National Park operator who will welcome tourists who want to come and visit the building and enjoy the view of the Tuscan Archipelago.
The booking service remains active (Info Park reservations tel. 0565 908231) which includes a complete visit departing from Portoferraio or Rio nell 'Elba including the carrier, guided excursion and visit of the fortress on Wednesday and Thursday.
The fortress rises from its 395 meters above sea level, set in the rock from which it emerges as if by magic. The place was chosen by the Etruscans to build the first lookout post and, still in the Etruscan period, the rise was part of an intelligent and efficient system of fortified hill villages among which, it seems, communicated by lighting fires. The structure assumed a definitive physiognomy at the end of the 1200s when the Maritime Republic of Pisa decided the requalification of the fortress. An impregnable fortress yesterday, a suggestive terrace on the Elba and on the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago today. A breathtaking view shows the profile of the eastern ridge and on the horizon the slender shape of the island of Pianosa and the austere silhouette of Montecristo. Opposite the central part of the island with the soft hills, the wide southern gulfs and the inimitable morphology of the Gulf of Portoferraio with the imposing massif of Mount Capanne behind it. Further to the right is the wild island of Capraia and, in the background, the snow-capped mountains of Corsica with Capo Corso, stretching towards the north.
Cost of the short visit without reservation
full ticket € 8; reduced € 4 (for residents of the Tuscan Archipelago and for every visitor over 65); free admission for children up to 12 years, the disabled and their carers, as well as students residing in the Tuscan Archipelago up to 19 years.
Costs of the visit with reservation
Service carried out with the use of collective means up to the beginning of the path that includes about an hour of walking. Costs: full € 20. Reduced € 10 for residents and over 65 non-residents. Reduced € 5 for over 65 residents. Free for resident students (up to 19 years) and children 0-12 years. The cost includes transfer to / r + entry + guide.
Attention, footwear suitable for rough terrain is required. For more info and reservations contact Info Park tel. 0565 908231.
