» Island of Elba » the village of Porto Azzurro
At the beginning of the 16th. century, the Spaniards, upon recommendation from the Genoese admiral Andrea Doria, planned to build a fortification on the eastern side of the gulf in order to close off the bay.
Together with the fortress 'Focardo' on the other side, this became the defensive system of the gulf, base of Filippo III's fleet. This defensive system was made to contain the military rise of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, who, with the fortifications of Portoferraio, owned a strategic stronghold in the Tyrrhenian Sea. From here he was able to seriously endanger the Spanish interests in this part of the Mediterranean Sea. The city was annexed to the reign of Naples in 1714 until 1801, when it was left to the French who occupied the whole of Tuscany.
In 1815, after the fall of Napoleon, it was again annexed to the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, until the unification of Italy.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, together with Portoferraio and Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro was one of the main fishing centres of the island, with a strong immigration of fishermen from Naples, Ponza and Genoa.
The small town centre is very beautiful with its narrow roads, stone houses, enchanting corners and squares, and the large, lively square directly on the sea and harbour.
Some places that should be visited: the Church of Madonna di Monserrato, built during the 17th century by the Spanish governor Leon. The image of the Virgin still conserved in the church is said to be an identical copy of the one in the church in Spain with the same name; the fortress of S. Giacomo, the prison headquarters, a Spanish fortress built during the 17th century (very interesting handicrafts are sold here); and the Spanish Church (Chiesa Spagnola) with a marble statue of the general Diego D'Alarçon.
Besides the lively tourism, in the territory around the city there is also the cultivation of fruit and vines and in the surrounding countryside one can admire beautifully cultivated fields, especially in the valleys of 'Mola', 'Montserrato' and 'Reale.
Market day: Saturday.
