Volterraio Castle, the most evocative site on Elba
Restored by the Park Authority, thanks to its strategic and panoramic location, the Volterraio Fortress is the most evocative and magical site on the Island of Elba, especially when reached at sunset. The fortress stands 395 meters above sea level, nestled in the rock from which it emerges almost by magic. The site was chosen by the Etruscans as a lookout post and was part of an efficient system of fortified hilltop villages.
The structure took on its definitive appearance at the end of the thirteenth century, when the Maritime Republic of Pisa began its redevelopment.
Once an impregnable fortress, today Volterraio is a suggestive panoramic terrace overlooking Elba Island and the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. The panorama extends from the eastern ridge of the island to the Tuscan coast, to the austere outline of Montecristo and the slender shape of Pianosa, including the Gulf of Portoferraio and the Monte Capanne massif. On clear days, Capraia can also be seen, and in the background, Corsica with Cape Corso.
METHODS AND TYPES OF VISIT TO VOLTERRAIO
1) Guided tour of the Volterraio Fortress. Trekking and admission included.
Departure times will be adjusted to the season and communicated at the time of booking. Suitable footwear for rough terrain is required, and for afternoon excursions, lighting equipment such as headlamps or flashlights is required. Reservations are required. Tickets are €20, reduced €10 for Tuscan Archipelago residents and over 65s. Reduced €5 for Tuscan Archipelago residents over 65. Free for disabled visitors and their companions, and students residing in the Tuscan Archipelago (up to 19 years old). Minimum age 5. Find the excursion schedule at: parcoarcipelago.info/la-fortezza-del-volterraio/
2) During the summer season (from June 15th to September 30th) the Volterraio Fortress will be open every day except Tuesdays, at the following times:
From June 15th to July 15th: 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM;
From July 16th to August 15th: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM;
From August 16th to September 15th: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM;
From September 16th to September 30th: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
It will be possible to reach the fortress independently, following trekking path 255, and visit with the assistance of the Park Guide present. Reservations are not required. Tickets are €8, reduced €4 for over 65s, residents of the Tuscan Archipelago, and children 5-12 years old. Free for disabled visitors and their companions, children 0-4 years old, and students resident in the Tuscan Archipelago (up to 19 years old).
Drawing of the Volterraio Castle
1) Torre quadrangolare
2) Cinta muraria
3) Cisterna
4) Scale di accesso alla ronda
5) Magazzino per le polveri da sparo
6) Cammino di ronda inizialmente in legno poi in muratura
7) Spianata per l’artiglieria
8) Caditoia in difesa della porta
9) Cappella costruita nel XVII sec.
10) Alloggi soldati
11) Rivellino (bastione sud-ovest)
12) Ponte levatoio e scala in muratura del XVII sec.
Drawing: by Cinzia Battaglia – Info Park
