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 elbanian insurgents and the British Marine.
It was during these difficult years that the external walls of the
villa were destroyed in order to install a group of siege cannons.
The finds made during the excavations in the 60th. can be seen at
the Archaeological Museum "della Linguella" in Portoferraio.
Opening hours:
From Eastern to September 30 open every day.
