AREA ARCHEOLOGICA DELLA LINGUELLA
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Ruins of an ancient Roman villa located at the foot of the homonymous octagonal tower also called torre del Martello in Portoferraio
At the foot of the homonymous octagonal tower (also called torre del Martello, Hammer Tower), on a narrow strip of land delimiting the Gulf of Portoferraio, stand the ruins of an ancient Roman villa. Indeed, the Roman nobilitas (nobility) appreciated discovering enchanted places where they could build magnificent villas with a view of the sea. This was the case of the maritime villa of La Linguella, equipped with a private aqueduct, an ample thermal complex (laconium), and decorated with rich polychrome mosaic floors testifying to its past grandeur. Enlarged several times, from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century AD, it is now largely occupied by military installations, built in 1548 by Cosme de Médicis to defend the port.
A curiosity is attached to this villa. Indeed, the names of the owners of the Roman domus (residences) on the island of Elba are rarely known, despite their self-representation character. On the other hand, the excavations of the villa della Linguella have revealed a name: Publio Aclio Attinao, prefect of the praetorium of Emperor Hadrian at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, who liked to retire there and enjoy the literary otium (free time).
To access the ruins of the Roman villa, walk along the Medici quay to the Linguella tower, then cross the gate. The remains stand to the left of this tower, which is a perfect example of military architecture.
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