a fascinating local tradition

the footsteps of a great leader

After the disastrous Battle of Leipzig following the Treaty of Fontainebleau on 14 April 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate the French throne and go into exile on Elba Island, remaining there for ten months.
On Elba Island Napoleon lived in the present-day Villa dei Mulini complex, which became a cultural symbol of life at the time, and he was warmly welcomed by the locals.
Napoleon’s itineraries wind their way through towns and in the midst of nature, arriving as far as ‘Napoleon’s chair’, a rock (one of the so-called Stone Monsters of Elba Island) from which Napoleon is said to have embarked on his return to France. Other legends claim that Napoleon observed Corsica with nostalgia from here, while other local traditions attribute this to the Eagle Rock.

 

Napoleon’s activities are still visible in numerous ways to be discovered during your stay. Here are some of the musts for a holiday in search of Napoleon on Elba Island:

 

– Villa dei Mulini
The centrepiece of Napoleon’s experience on Elba Island is here, in Portoferraio, a structure completely restored by the emperor, which can be visited on payment of an entry fee.

– Villa di San Martino
The second villa purchased by Napoleon, his summer residence surrounded by greenery, features original furnishings and prints.

– Vigilanti Theatre
A theatre built in Portoferraio, which is still used today for music festivals and large concerts.

– Pauline Island
A small island named after Napoleon’s sister in front of her favourite beach, Marciana Marina

– Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Mount
The oldest sanctuary on the island, it can be reached via a long path through nature, offering stunning views of the sea.

 

Stop by our concierge: he will help you plan the perfect itinerary, purchasing tickets for you where necessary, contacting expert guides and advising on must-do stops along the way.