Museo dei Minerali e dell'Arte Mineraria

Elba


Rio's mining history dates from Etruscan times, with open-cast working continuing right up until 1982 when the mines closed. This museum charts that story and runs guided tours (adult/reduced €12/7.50) of the mining area by electric train – these include a chance to dig for minerals (hammers and plastic bags are provided) yourself. Book a few days in advance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Elba attractions

1. Forte Stella

4.79 MILES

The salmon-pink Star Fort, so called due to its shape, is one of Portoferraio's defining hilltop forts. It was commissioned by Cosimo l de' Medici and…

4. Area Archeologica della Linguella

4.94 MILES

The 16th-century Torre del Martello was where Napoleon was 'imprisoned' at the start of his fleeting exile on Elba in 1814 and the russet-red, hexagonal…

5. Teatro dei Vigilanti

4.98 MILES

This 17th-century church-turned-theatre was one of the grandest, most elaborate churches in Portoferraio when it was constructed in 1618. The Chiesa del…

6. Forte Falcone

5.04 MILES

Portoferraio's loftiest highest hill is crowned by this largely intact, 16th-century fort (1548) – a key point, together with Fort Stella and Torre del…

7. Villa Romana delle Grotte

5.06 MILES

About 5km out of Portoferraio town, wander through the ruins of this 1st-century-BC Roman villa overlooking the sea at Punta delle Grotte and you will be…

8. Calamita: Miniere di Capoliveri

6.21 MILES

Guided tours take visitors from a small site museum in Vallone, 11km south of Capoliveri, to the Genevro mine where magnetite was extracted until the…