The village of Capoliveri, lies on a hill in the north part of mount Calamita, and enjoys a stunning view all over the Elba island: on one side you can see the Gulf Stella up to Mount Capanne, and on the other side you can admire Porto Azzurro all the way to the Tuscan coast.
Capoliveri is historically the most interesting place of the island. It was founded during the Roman-Etruscan times because of its privileged position and since then it has always improved its value thanks to its position and to its economy which flourished with the mines and the vine terraces.
The inhabitants of Capoliveri were miners who worked in the iron caves of Calamita and Ginevro: known as bold and strong people it is said that they fought against Napoleon Bonaparte whose intention was to destroy the village and it was the beauty of a local woman called Vantina that finally convinced him to spare the town. During the Latin time, Capoliveri was known as Caput Liberum, a name related to the cult of God Libaro or Baccus, thus clearly indicating the ancient tradition of wine production and rural life. The small coves of Morcone, Pareti and Innamorata in the south part of the village were small rural centres and fishing villages until recently.
The real heart of Capoliveri is its very well preserved medieval historical centre. Piazza Matteotti, the most panoramic square of Elba, is the site of many events and musical shows throughout the summer, while via Roma is the street that offers to the tourist many different shops and evening stalls. The noise of street life, small alleyways and stone arches decorating small flights of steps, view points overlooking the stunning panorama of Elba island and its rugged coastline.
Today the monuments of Capoliveri testify the historical events of the past and the many conquerors that succeeded in the area: the “Pieve di San Michele”, the sanctuary of the “Madonna delle Grazie”, the Sanctuary of the “Madonna della Neve” and “Forte Focardo”.
The real heart of Capoliveri is its very well preserved medieval historical centre. Piazza Matteotti, the most panoramic square of Elba, is the site of many events and musical shows throughout the summer, while via Roma is the street that offers to the tourist many different shops and evening stalls.
In the recent years Capoliveri has been totally revolutionized by tourism thanks to the beauty of its coastline and the community of the village has therefore worked to create and improve the services needed by the tourists. Today the community dedicates great effort to safeguard of the flora and fauna because a big part of the municipality is located within the Park.