Elba History - The Grand Duchy

ELBA ISLAND IN THE AGE OF THE GRAND DUCHY

In the 13th century, Elba became a part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany governed by Pietro Leopoldo. The Grand Duke enacted many administrative and legislative reforms that favored a rapid economic growth. The production of iron, salt, wine and commercial traffic all rose substantially. It is during this period, along the Elban shores, from the small groups of storehouses and homes for the fishermen, that the "Marinas"of Rio, Campo and Marciana began to take on life and grow. Cosmopoli was then renamed Potroferraio and became the seat of command for the Grand Duke's naval fleet.