Fortezza del Volterraio
Medieval fortress on a hilltop of the island of Elba, between Portoferraio and Rio nell'Elba, visitable with guides from the Parco nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Fortezza del Volterraio stands on a hill between Portoferraio and Rio nell'Elba and dates from the 12th century, although the summit had already been used as a hilltop fortress in ancient times, given the island's strategic position and its mineral resources. The name may derive from the Latin “vultur” (vulture) or from the builder Vanni Gherardo Rau, of Volterra, to whom the Pisans entrusted the strengthening of the rocca in 1231.
The complex entered the island's defensive system under the Republic of Pisa. It was strengthened around 1440 and in 1544 withstood an attack by the Turks. In 1798 French troops reinforced its garrison, but a popular uprising seriously damaged it, and it has been abandoned ever since.
The fortress has a hexagonal plan; the quadrangular watchtower and the curtain wall are the oldest parts. A wooden drawbridge connects the entrance of the tower to the walkway. After restoration it was reopened to the public in 2016 and is now visited with the guides of the Parco nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano.
Highlights
- Hexagonal plan with a quadrangular watchtower
- Walkway with a wooden drawbridge
- View over the northern side of the island and the sea
- Visit accompanied by Park guides
- Operated by
- Parco nazionale dell'Arcipelago Toscano
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|
Entrance ticket €8, with reductions for some categories (sources from 2023–2024). The guided excursion of about three hours, with admission included, cost €20 per person.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The fortress is reached on foot along the CAI path 255A or by a mountain road cut into the rock; no accessible routes are listed.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Casermette car park along the Strada Provinciale 32, the starting point of CAI path 255A towards the fortress.
CAI path 255A starts from the Casermette car park; ferries from Piombino arrive at Portoferraio, Rio Marina or Cavo.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 3 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | After reaching the entrance on your own, you can visit with a Park guide; the guided excursion lasts about three hours and closed shoes are recommended. Excursions are booked on the Park's platform. |
