Forte Focardo
A Spanish fortress on the coast of Elba
Forte Focardo is located on the Isola d’Elba, specifically on the eastern coast near Capoliveri. The fort dates to 1678 and was built to defend the gulf, backed up in support by the nearbyForte San Giacomo. The name of the castle very likely derives from the governor Don Ferdinando Foxardo, who had it built when the area was ruled by Charles V.
The route to the fort boasts unique views at the sea below: you can see Porto Azzurro and Cima del Monte in the distance. The structure dominates the rocky crag and has four bulwarks and two imposing bastions that undoubtedly guaranteed the security of this territory up until the 1800s, though it suffered attacks at various times, some of which were even led by the inhabitants themselves.
It was slowly transformed into a lighthouse, and still today it’s owned by the Italian Navy. The fort even has a house used by the current lighthouse keeper. The building boasts a charm all its own, one that’s offered romantic moments and literary inspirations, like for the writer Raffaello Brignetti, whose father worked for many years at the lighthouse.
