Portoferraio Elbe, Italy Cruise Port Guide

stunning mountain scenery, cliff-fringed coast, secluded coves, and crystal waters. History buffs, too, find plenty of interest just by concentrating on Elba's most famous resident, the exiled Napoleon Bonaparte.

Although he only spent 10 months here (from May 1814 to February 1815), he made valuable contributions to road and civic works. His one-time official residence, the Villa dei Molini, stands on the seaward side of the Piazza Napoleon and contains his library. Although the emperor died on the island of St. Helena, mass is still said each year in Portoferraio on the anniversary of his death. Relics in the Misericordia Church include a reproduction of Napoleon's coffin and a bronze cast of his death mask. About four miles inland from Portoferraio, on the slopes of Monte San Martino, stands the Villa San Martino amid luxuriant vegetation. The villa served as the emperor's summer residence and is now a museum.

The ship is scheduled to dock. from the pier, it is a 10-minute walk to the town center. Taxis are generally available at the pier.

Shopping . A variety of shops are found in the town center.

Typical souvenirs relate to Napoleon and his time on the island. Leather articles, Italian fashions and locally mined semi-precious stones may be of interest. Store hours are usually from 9 to 1 and 4 to 8.

Specialties like gnocchetti di pesce (bite-sized potato and fish dumplings), pesce all'elbana (fresh white fish baked with vegetables and potatoes), fish-stuffed ravioli and pasta with fresh shrimp may tempt you to have lunch or dinner ashore. Some good restaurants are found in the historic center of Portoferraio and facing the waterfront. Five miles from town is the exclusive Hermitage Hotel. Its restaurant and bar are well worth a visit (reservations are recommended).

The two forts, Falcone and Stella, rising above the port, were begun in 1548 and later completed by Napoleon.

Piazza Napoleone. The square is located at the highest point in town and offers fine views.

Villa dei Molini. On the seaward side of the square stands this simple villa, which was Napoleon's official residence during his exile Misericordia Church. This parish church in the Via Napoleone celebrates a special mass each May on the anniversary of Napoleon's death. It also contains a bronze cast of his death mask and a reproduction of his coffin.