Rio Marina (LI) - Elba Island - Tuscany

Gently set in a small sea inlet surrounded by hills whose earth, red due to iron oxide, testifies to its rich mining past... #tuttitaly

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What was once considered the Iron Capital today is a thriving seaside resort. In Rio Marina, some mines were used to excavate iron ore. This, however, still today, with its shimmer and reddish color, makes the town characteristic, showing off on the facades of the houses and the beaches.

The mines were closed, the last in 1981, and since then, Rio Marina has seen the development of tourist activities.

The same buildings that once belonged to the mines have been transformed into museums.

The building that housed the Direction of Mines currently houses the Museum of Elba Minerals and Mining Art and the historical archive of mines. Inside the museum, the original rooms of the mine are recreated, and an essential collection of minerals and stones from the island of Elba is preserved.

Do not miss the visit to the municipal mineralogical museum Erisia Gennai Tonietti. This houses over 700 specimens of rare beauty.

Among the historical elements, the hexagonal tower of the port stands out, built in the mid-sixteenth century at the behest of Jacopo V Appiani. In contrast, the original tower with the clock dates back to 1882, the year of the foundation of the maritime municipality. Finally, we find the oratory of San Rocco, built-in 1570.

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