Porto Azzurro dominated by the imposing Fortress S. Giacomo
Porto Azzurro, located in the deep inlet of the Gulf of Mola, is dominated by the imposing Spanish Fortress of S. Giacomo on one side and from Forte Focardo on the other. It has a good marina, a beautiful seaside square (evening hangout), and picturesque alleys where there are shops, bars, restaurants and craft stalls in the evening. In the village there is a small beach, the others are nearby.
The sanctuary of Monserrato 2 km from Porto Azzurro
The Sanctuary of Monserrato was erected in 1606 by order of the Spanish governor, on a rocky ridge located in the middle of the valley that descends to Barbarossa Porto Azzurro, on the sides flow two rivers, including the Monte Santo ditch.
The place is made up of rocks rich in iron ore, which give the mountains that characteristic and unique color of Elba, making the whole fascinating and exclusive.
Fortress San Giacomo to protect Porto Azzurro
Fortress San Giacomo, also known as Fortress di Longone, was built in 1603 by Philip III of Spain at war with the French. The imposing fortified complex was built to strengthen the coastal defensive system of the State of the Presidi, whose territory also included part of the eastern and southern coast of the island. The original functions of sighting and defense were carried out until the mid-nineteenth century, when gradually the military structure of was abandoned.
Fortress San Giacomo (house of confinement)
On November 4, 1890, the Fortress San Giacomo became a penitentiary and, in short, one of the toughest in Italy. Recently, during some renovations, an underground tunnel that connects various points of the citadel came to light.
Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Mary
The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Maria is located in Porto Azzurro, adjacent to that of the Madonna del Carmine, was completed in 1727 and originally included a portico. Inside, in addition to the monument of the Spanish general Diego de Alarcon, there is the painting with the “Madonna kneeling in front of the Crucifix”, which together with the red heart on a black field depicted on the altar justifies the title of the church.
Porto Azzurro Church (Madonna del Carmine)
The church of Madonna del Carmine in Porto Azzurro was born to serve the inhabitants of the marina who in the evening could not access the parish inside the Forte Longone. In 1752 it obtained a chaplain by concession of the King and the Archbishop of Naples who contributed to enrich the ancient church built by fishermen.
Porto Azzurro aerial view
The square of Porto Azzurro and the marina