History

The new settlement developed around the ancient Roman site of Fabricia, purchased by the Medici from Charles V. In the Middle Ages, the area was known as Ferraia, a name linked to its role as a shipping point for iron extracted from the island's mines. To protect the port from Barbary pirates, in 1557, Cosimo I de’ Medici took full control of the stronghold and entrusted Giovanni Camerini and Giovanbattista Belluzzi with the creation of an impressive defensive system: thus, the city of Cosmopoli was founded. Forte Falcone and Forte Stella were built on the heights of the promontory, while the Forte della Linguella was constructed to protect the dockyard. All were connected by a bastioned wall system, which was further reinforced with a series of land-facing ramparts. To encourage settlement, incentives were offered to new residents. The name Cosmopoli was soon replaced by Portoferraio, a nod to the Roman name and its iron-shipping heritage. As the settlement grew in importance, it was granted city status and, from 1637 to 1751, housed the Grand Ducal fleet.

After the fall of the French Empire, Portoferraio became the capital of a small kingdom assigned to Napoleon Bonaparte during his exile following the defeat at Leipzig. The former emperor resided in the city for ten months before escaping to reclaim power in France. Today, Portoferraio, once a Medicean outpost in the Mediterranean, is the main gateway for the many tourists who visit Elba during the summer months.