FLORENCE, ITALY – One of the greatest generals of all time, after his defeat at Leipzig, Napoleon Bonaparte, was sent to rule the island of Elba.
It is easy to discover the many places occupied by Napoleon between 1814 and 1815; the main one is the Villa dei Mulini in Portoferraio, between Forte Falcone and Forte Stella, located in a perfect position for controlling both the sea and the town.
This simple residence is the result of the union of two grand-ducal houses and includes the Salone dei Ricevimenti or Reception Hall (fig. 23), created by raising the ceiling, the Salone degli Ufficiali or Officers’ Hall, a private study, the bedroom (fig. 22), and the Sala dei Valletti or Valets’ Room.
A Doric style gallery was added to the Villa di San Martino in the mid 19th century, with a central pronaos, built by the Emperor’s cousin, Prince Demidoff, to hold Napoleon’s relics.
Another Napoleonic museum can be found in the Church of the Misericordia in Portoferraio, which also houses castings of the Emperor’s hand and face. By following in Napoleon’s footsteps it is also possible learn about his other passions, books and the theatre.
Over 2000 books, including many essays suited to his small kingdom, were donated to the people of Elba and are preserved at Villa dei Mulini.
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