 |
OTHER ISLANDS |
|
|
THE
PORTALS |
|
|
NEWSPAPERS&MAGAZINES |
|
|
USEFUL
LINKS |
|
|
USEFUL
SITES |
|
|
EDITORIAL
STAFF |
|
|
 |
| |
| |
|
Tuscan Archipelago >> History
|
 Peace
came with Cosimo I of the Medici family, who, determined to
defeat the pirates, built the fortress of Cosmopoli on the ruins
of Ferraia on Elba. A period of prosperity and wealth started
on Elba, but the smaller islands further away still had to cope
with the plunderers. Pianosa did not manage to recover from
the assault in 1553 and was almost completely abandoned. The
fortresses Focardo and San Giacomo were built in 1600 as Spaniards
and French contended the island. The island was then shared
between Tuscans and Spaniards. During the 18th century the archipelago
is contended by European countries. French, Italian, Spanish
and English leaders are fighting for the supremacy until, in
1803, Elba and some of the smaller islands finally become French
under Napoleon. And the big emperor left traces on the islands,
which can be seen in the architecture. Elba is Napoleon's main
scene, even during his worst days when the French emperor had
been forced to abdicate after the defeat in Leipzig in order
to allow the return of the Bourbons. With a clever diplomatic
manoeuvre the defeated emperor managed to be designated uncontested
sovereign of Elba where he lived some glory days from 1814.
Napoleon renewed the island of Elba, building roads and bridges,
dikes, hospitals and ports. He also reorganised the bureaucracy
and encouraged the economic activities. While he prepared his
return on the European scene, he built marvellous villas and
palaces which the islanders adored.
Photos
from APT Tuscan Archipelago and Mediaweb srl. |
|
|
 |
|
