Villa romana delle Grotte
Archaeological site of a large Roman maritime villa on two terraces overlooking the channel between Elba and the mainland, in Portoferraio.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Villa romana delle Grotte is one of the most important Roman complexes in the Tuscan Archipelago. It stands on the Grotte hill above Portoferraio and overlooks the channel separating the island of Elba from the mainland. The complex extends across two terraces rising from the surrounding ground, and its walls alternate dark greenish stones with white stones.
The first excavations were carried out by Giorgio Monaco, inspector of the Soprintendenza alle antichità dell'Etruria (Superintendency of Antiquities of Etruria). For many years the villa was interpreted as a luxury residence for the leisure time of a figure from the senatorial elite; research by the University of Siena and ongoing investigations by the Superintendency have broadened this reading.
The site is managed by the Fondazione Villa Romana delle Grotte, based at the Comune di Portoferraio. An audio-guide app, “Le Grotte”, for iOS and Android devices is available for visits, and the site offers educational workshops for schools and guided walks along the Cammino della Rada to San Giovanni.
Highlights
- Roman villa on two terraces overlooking the sea
- Walls alternating dark and white stones
- “Le Grotte” audio-guide app for iOS and Android
- Guided walk along the Cammino della Rada
- Founded
- 2016
- Operated by
- Fondazione Villa Romana delle Grotte
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €4children aged 9 to 18, university students, over-70s, groups of at least 15 people, holders of the Elba mobility pass, EdumuseiCard |
| Children & teens | €4free up to age 8 · Free admission up to age 8; reduced ticket for ages 9 to 18. |
| Seniors | €4Over 70s. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freecompanion free · Free admission for people with disabilities and one companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €4University students with a student booklet (libretto). |
| Groups (15+ people) | €4 per personGroups and school groups of at least 15 people. |
| Cosmopoli Card (7 days: Forte Falcone, Medici fortresses, Museo della Linguella, Teatro dei Vigilanti, Pinacoteca, Villa romana delle Grotte), standard | €20 |
| Cosmopoli Card, reduced | €15 |
| Cosmopoli Card, family (minimum 3 people) | €15 |
Free admission also for residents of Portoferraio, school groups from Portoferraio, licensed tour guides, journalists registered with the Ordine (professional order) and ICOM members. Visitors arriving on scheduled buses are entitled to a 50% discount on the ticket. Tickets are available online via the operator's website (cosimodemedicisrl.it).
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The site is served by scheduled bus lines; visitors arriving by bus receive a 50% discount on the entrance ticket.
By car
Free parking
Large unpaved area at the top of the hill; guarded and free parking for bicycles.
From Portoferraio take the SP26 towards Porto Azzurro and after about 5 km turn left; the last stretch is a long straight of about 2 km, to be driven with care. On foot it is possible to reach the site from San Giovanni along part of the Cammino della Rada.
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 |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Audio-guide app “Le Grotte” for iOS and Android; workshops for schools and guided walks along the Cammino della Rada to the village of San Giovanni. Park activities: info@parcoarcipelago.info, 0565 908231. |
