“Napoleon. Imperial glory,
the treasures of the Fondazione Napoléon”

It couldn’t end with him running off from a dance during Carnival. It wouldn’t have been worthy of the man or his profound relationship with what should have been his gilded prison until death. It would have been impolite to leave like that, without even saying goodbye. Indeed, the Island of Elba is like a woman who knows how to be very loving, but in turn demands respect from her lovers. And Napoleon Bonaparte could not help but come back to kiss her hand.
Until September 12th, 2008 an exhibition that describes, through symbols of the imperial glory as well as various daily objects, the official as well as more personal life of the Empereur Napoléon, brings him back to life in the Elban residences. After its success in Rome, “Napoleon. Imperial glory. The treasures of the Fondazione Napoléon”, arrives on the site of his first exile in 1814, the Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino in Portoferraio (LI).
Out of the over two-hundred pieces on display, two in particular portray the emperor’s personality: the legendary chapeau, iconographic symbol par excellence and a collection of notes taken by the emperor during his exile in Sant’Elena, testimony to the fact that he learned in English in only 20 days. Beautiful manufactured pieces, silver cutlery, plates and paintings from the period depict the atmosphere of the courts, which for 300 days, transformed the Island of Eba into a cultural and political European capital. The exhibition includes a selection of the most beautiful works of art from the Foundation Napoléon’s collection in Paris and from two of the main French Napoleonic museums, the “Musée national des châteaux de Malmaison et Bois-Préau” and the “Musée de l’Armée” in Paris.
Evidence of Napoleon’s leadership is not lacking: the large painting of the Battle of Marengo by Boze, Lefèvre and Vernet evokes General Bonaparte, shortly after becoming First Consul, dominating the battle scene beside his Chief of State Berthier and in the uniform Napoleon wore during combat. The section dedicated to the military campaigns includes the Aigle de drapeau, one of the vessels of the La Grande Armée, the helmet and armour endowed to the Italian police force, in addition to a number of sabres. A study drawing for Le Sacre di Jacques-Louis David recalling the December 2nd, 1804 ceremony in Notre Dame depicts Napoleon being crowned while in the final version of the grand work of the Louvre the emperor is drawn in the moment in which his wife Josephine is crowned. The final work of the show is dedicated to the epilogue of the extraordinary Napoleonic era. That in which, irreparably exiled to Sant’Elena, he may have regretted fleeing Elba, without even the memory of his last kiss.

Nothing is more precious than being aware of your own fortune. Understanding the wealth, in environmental terms, that each of us possesses is the first step toward serenity. Perhaps for this reason, vacations in close contact with nature in all its marvellous forms are becoming more and more popular. It is as if the mere fact of being able to gaze at and take in an uncontaminated space were the magic formula for living better.
What’s more, Italy is a treasure chest of invaluable natural wonders, which are there for tourists to marvel at, asking only in return their attention and respect.
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is one of these inestimable gems. It’s made even more precious by the fact that extends over both land and sea.
Created in 1996 and expanded in 1997, the park makes up part of the international sanctuary for marine mammals and covers an area of 17,694 hectares on land and 61,474 on sea, making it the largest marine reserve in Europe.
Combining the splendour of the water with marvel of the land, the purity of the air with all the life forms that exist in nature, the Tuscan Archipelago National Park takes pride in its piece of the Tyrrhenian seabed on which the seven major islands (Elba, Giglio, Capraia, Montecristo, Pianosa, Giannutri and Gorgona) shine like the stars of a constellations celebrating nature and all its glory.
You will never forget the rainbow of blue, red and yellow coral – including the rare red coral “Corallium rubrum” that can still be found in the Park. Also, with a bit of patience, you’ll have the chance to admire, in their own natural environment, red snappers, black sea bass and other sea bream. The waters of the Tuscan Archipelago is inhabited by: swordfish, tuna, Atlantic bonito, sunfish, not to mention the various species of dolphins, including bottle-nosed, striped, Atlantic spotted and spinner, that often accompany sailboats into the cleanest waters. And, there are always surprises waiting for you: baleen and sperm whales roam the waters of the marine park all year round, however it’s easiest to spot them in the off-seasons. That’s one good reason to visit the Archipelago in spring and autumn.
There is no place in Europe more ideal for enjoying a vacation at the centre of the essence of life: the variety of coasts and seabeds - from the beaches of Elba to the sheer rock formations of Capraia – offer plants and animals the perfect setting to thrive and human beings, fascinated by the natural beauty, an opportunity to enjoy a unique holiday in close contact with the origins of life.

35 drawings by Silvan (Nano) Campeggi
dedicated to the emperor are on exhibit
from July 6th to September 15th, 2008.

The Emperor’s Island adds to its repertoire another important initiative dedicated to Napoleon. The City of Portoferraio and the Tuscan Archipelago Tourism Agency honours the 6th century Cosmopolis’s grand guardian of the sea with an exhibition of artwork by Silvano (Nano) Campeggi dedicated to the leader’s stay on the Island of Elba from May 3rd, 1814 to February 26th, 1815.
Through September 15th, you can admire the 35 original drawings inspired by Napoleon and created by the most important Italian illustrator of film posters, whose artwork is on display in some of the most prominent museums throughout Europe and the United States. The artist himself explains the show as “a collection of Napoleonic costumes and characters, a way of bringing that short-lived by spectacular period back to life, looking back at those times with serenity and a bit of complacent sentiment.” Indeed, the exhibit retraces Napoleon’s path in Elba: the Villa dei Mulini, the sloping banks of Portoferraio, the Villa di San Martino, the initial explorations of Elba by the Florentine artist.
Campeggi has rendered the Hollywood stars of the last decade of cinematography both familiar and legendary with his 3000 film posters, 64 of which have won Oscars. He considers this collection of works “a motor for giving recognition to Elba, which has always inspired me, for how you can see yourself between land, sky and sea, and how it provides an indescribable backdrop for nature and history that, here, unite in harmony.”

From April to October 2008, the special offers and events for discovering the gem of the Tuscan Archipelago

Culture, wine and fine cuisine distinguish the island that never ceases to surprise. Elba, the main island of Tuscany, takes pride in its history and traditions and is always ready to welcome anyone looking for a unique holiday. Here, nature and adventure go together with relaxation and luxury. The island keeps its local traditions alive while also hosting cultural festivals with an international flair. In short, you’ll never be bored. In March and April, the season is kicked off with two culinary events that revisit traditional flavours. The Festival of the Sportella is held March 24th, 2008 – “Angel Monday” – in honour of Saint Catherine and features the typical sweet eaten during the Easter Holidays. April 14th and 15th Portoferraio is in the spotlight, with “Polpando and the traditional flavours of Elba”: Chef Alvaro Clavoi prepares a mouth-watering array of appetizers and entrees featuring local octopus (polpa). In May, as custom has it, Napoleon is at the centre of attention. A series of events begins (that continue throughout the entire season) dedicated to the Corsican leader: exhibits, concerts, guided tours, conferences, wine and food festivals, in celebration of Bonaparte’s sovereignty on the island, which lasted from May 4th, 1814 to February 26th, 1815. Every Sunday in May the romantic Festival of the Corollo is held in the towns of Campo. Admirers sweetly serenade ladies from beneath their windows, while the girls prepare the typical Elban sweets – corolli – to offer in appreciation of their suiters. Sunday, May 18th Capoliveri hosts the Festival of the Cavatore, which honours the Elban miners and opens with a parade of banners from the mining community, followed by a concert, banquet and a sampling of typical dishes. Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th of May the wine and food festival “A sea of flavours” is held in Marciana Marina. With the presence of the most renowned Italian vineyards and chefs from the Elban chapter of the Italian Association of Cooks, the event pays homage to the scents, colours and tastes of Tuscany and the Island. The month of June sees the return of the indulgent Magna Longa, the “gastronomy walk” that each year attracts more eager participants. The wine and food tour departs from the city of Capoliveri and continues along a magnificent panoramic road, reaching the Ripalte Farm. Every 800 metres, wine and food stands are set up with samples of typical island recipes. The evening of Saturday, June 14th is very special in Portoferraio: writers, literary critics and journalists come together for the final ceremony of the “Elban Island Literary Prize – Raffaello Brignetti”. In the month of July, there are two musical events: the Soul Island Festival 2008, linked to the Pistoai Blues Festival 2006, and held in all counties, as well as the second edition of the Elba Island Jazz Festival in Marciana Marina. On July 14th, Capoliveri hosts the commemoration of the “Leggenda dell’innamorata” (Legend of the girl in love), one of the most compelling Elban stories. A breathtaking torch-lit procession of over 100 characters passes over land and sea. In August a number patron saint festivals are celebrated in Elba, characterised by food stands, processions and various shows. In September, the “Elba Musical Island of Europe” Festival is based in Portoferraio. Classical music and jazz concerts, symphonies and dance spectacles are lined up from September 2nd to the 12th. Finally, in October, two lovely events close the holiday season tastefully. The “Grape Festival” is scheduled for October 3rd – 5th in Capoliveri, when the whole town divides up into neighbourhoods for battle in order to faithfully reconstruct the old peasant traditions, with decorations and excitement. The award ceremony for the best neighbourhood is not to be missed. October 26th the Castagnata (Chestnut festival) is held in Poggio di Marciana, with food stands and typical products featuring chestnuts.

The Elba Mare Marathon is one of the major italian kayak events, with tens of paddlers coming from Italy and abroad meeting in the wonderful sea of the Elba Island for a week of kayaking and more. On the Seakayakitaly website you can find the schedule of the 11th edition of the event, scheduled to begin Saturday June 21st, 2008

The program includes a tour of the Island of Elba divided into 5 stages for a total of 60 miles. This year there will also be a day of rescue techniques, and a 8 miles seakayak race.

if you need some extra motivation, you can get a copy of the current issue of Canoe & Kayak UK and read their special feature titled “Sea Kayaking Napoleon’s Island”.