Elba

See Elba for other locations with this name.

Elba is an island in Tuscany, Italy, 20 km from the coastal town of Grosseto.

Geography

Elba is the biggest island of the Tuscan Archipelago , and the third biggest Italian island. Elba and other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago (Pianosa, Capraia , Montecristo, Giglio and Giannutri) are protected in the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago .

Administration

The island is divided into eight communes: the capital Portoferraio, Campo nell'Elba , Capoliveri , Marciana, Marciana Marina, Porto Azzurro , Rio Marina and Rio nell'Elba .

History

Following the Treaty of Fontainebleau, French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled to Elba when overthrown (the first time), inspiring the famous palindrome: "Able was I ere I saw Elba." Napoleon stayed on Elba for 9 months and 21 days, being given the title "Emperor of Elba." During these months, partly to pass the time and partly out of a genuine concern for the well-being of the people, he carried out a series of economic and social reforms to improve the quality of life on Elba. Napoleon eventually escaped Elba and returned to France on February 26, 1815.

Miscellaneous

More recently, the island has become famed for its wine.

Apneist Jacques Mayol committed suicide here on December 22, 2001.