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Campo nell'Elba 
Rio 
Capoliveri 
Marciana 
Portoferraio 
Porto Azzurro 
Marciana Marina 
Island of Elba The rule of Pisa
During the Middle Ages, the Maritime
Republic of Pisa exploited the iron mines and
granite quarries of Elba, indeed most of the columns
that embellish Piazza dei Miracoli have been shaped by the
skilled hands of those stonecutters who lived in San Piero. The
Pisan times left us many proofs as the finest Romanesque
churches and the tower of San Giovanni in
Campo, built on a huge granite boulder, as well as the
mighty "Fortress" of Marciana and the castle of
Volterraio, an outpost over mountains and
seas.
From the sixth century. A.D. Elba was exposed to
many dominations by Eastern kingdoms, continuous lootings,
invasions and raids of Pirates, until the Maritime
Republic of Pisa conquered the island, thus favoring a
rapid civil, economic and commercial growth. The Pisani reopened
the iron mines that were abandoned during the previous five
centuries and built several fortresses on the hills behind the
coast, which gave birth to new villages.
Nowadays one example is represented by the village of
Marciana. Pisa gave also impetus to the granite
mining and processing activities in Elba: for instance, those
columns used for the creation of the Cathedral of Pisa. However,
the many wars in which the Republic of Pisa was committed,
generated a negative impact on the island's wealth, leading its
inhabitants to emigrate to the mainland.
Thus the islanders began a series of protests and rebellions
against the government of Pisa that, instead of providing
welfare, imposed high taxes and took advantage of the
extraordinary mineral wealth of the land to support the many wars
in which it was committed. In 1348 the inhabitants of the island
were affected by plague, also due to the poor sanitary conditions
in which they lived. The population was reduced significantly to
just 2,000 inhabitants.
Fortezza Pisana di Marciana
Ancient Fortress overlooking the village of Marciana, now a place
for events and wedding party.
Elbaworld suggests
What to visit
Discover places and attractions nearby.
Recommended excursions
Discover incredibly beautiful excursions on Elba Island.
