Rio

THE COAST OF ELBA THAT SHINES

The municipality of Rio extends on the north eastern tip of the island by enclosing inside Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba. Mining centres of the island par excellence, for centuries their economy has been linked to the extraction of ferrous materials; only after the closure of the mines has taken the path of tourism.

The first settlements date back to the 15th century but it is from the 18th century that the village begin to develop when the first sailors from Liguria and courses will stabilize to "Marina di Rio". With the boost given by mining and started intensively at the end of ' 700, you have a significant population growth that reaches its peak in the 19th century. When, in 1981, closed the last mines the two small villages were transformed into thriving beach resorts.

Today the two Rio can count on historic and natural wonders that make them a treasure trove of priceless treasures. It's worth a visit to Castello del Volterraio, the oldest fortification on the island of Elba of Etruscan origin, enlarged in 1281 by Pisa defensive purposes or Orto dei Semplici, botanical witness of great biodiversity of Tuscan archipelago.

 

Traditions and typical products

In memory of the great mining activity in the area, the municipality of Rio has the Museo Archeologico del Distretto Minerario in which approximately 200 samples are exposed minerals found on the island.

Among the typical food, the "stoccafisso alla riese", ibero-Moorish dish prepared with anchovies, capers, onion, tomato, olives, pine nuts taste amazing.

 

 

Photo Credits [elbalink.it]