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| Rio Marina | ||
| region | Livorno (LI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 2.211 (2018) | |
| height | 10 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Rio Marina is a port city on the island Elba / Tuscany.
background
The prehistory of Rio Marina is lost in the darkness of history. The location on the east coast in the middle of the ore district of the Elba suggests a corresponding early use by Etruscans and Romans. Settlement is certain during this period. The place name was originally "Piaggia di Rio". Around 1420 there were only a few buildings next to the church of San Rocco and a "torre di spiaggia" - a tower on the bank. The polygonal Torre degli Appiani was built in the 16th century and is still an imposing structure at the small port. With the end of piracy in the 18th century, Rio Marina enjoyed a certain boom. With the French rule from 1799 new technologies came into use, which allowed the ore deposits to be exploited more effectively. The end of ore extraction brought Rio Marina visibly [the decaying ore loading stations north] first decline. But with increasing tourism, Rio Marina got a new face. Today the port city is an important tourist center and after Portoferraio the second landing stage for ferries from the mainland.
getting there
Apart from the possible ship passage to Rio Marina, everything applies as described on the main page for Elba.
By plane and across the street
The fastest route from La Pila Airport is via the 
from Procchio 
and then 
, then left over the 
to Rio nell'Elba and from there to Rio Marina.
By boat
There are ferry connections from Piombino.
mobility
The city itself is easy to get around on foot and by bike, but the same applies to other places on the island by car.
Tourist Attractions
Rio Marina offers the cityscape of a bustling port city that was once dependent on ore. A tour of the place is always worthwhile, as new insights and views open up again and again.
- Chiesa Santa Barbara. 19th century parish church dedicated to the patron saint of miners. Simple building with historicizing elements.
- Oratorio San Rocco. the little church is located near the city park. The single nave, built over the shape of a Latin cross, has a small bell tower. San Rocco owes its existence to a contribution made by the Lord of Piombino to the miners.
- Chiesetta Annunziata. Church building from 1844 in the mining area, consecrated to the Madonna.
- town hall. there is the mineral museum Museo di Minerali Elbani with a collection of ores and minerals occurring on Elba.
- Torre Appiana. Giacomo V Appiano had the watchtower built on the pier in 1534. The well-fortified, polygonal building initially served as protection against pirate attacks. The associated clock tower was built on the occasion of the elevation to the municipality in 1882.
- Miniera Elbano. abandoned mining area. It stretches along the coast between Cala del Telegrafo and Rioalbano to Monte Caledozio. Dor you have some very nice views of the Piombino canal over the port of Cavo to the islands of Capraia and Gorgona.
- Grotta di San Giuseppe. Located towards Rio nell'Elba, the cave is home to a Bronze Age necropolis. About 80 people found their final resting place there. Additions to the graves can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Rio nell'Elba.
- Villa Romana. the remains of a Roman estate can be found on the northern tip in Cavo. It is best to find out more on site because of the tour and accessibility.
activities
Along the east coast around Rio Marina there are several beaches with different characteristics. Sometimes there is an exciting color spectacle fueled by the minerals of the coast.In the main season there are guided tours to the former ore mines on the weekends.
shop
Overall, the offer in Rio Marina corresponds to that of all the coastal cities. Daily and tourist needs can be met without any problems. There are also shops with additional, fashionable offers such as classic souvenir shops. The weekly market takes place in Rio M on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can find it on Wednesdays in Cavo.
kitchen
Overall, the range of different osteries, trattorias and restaurants is typical of the region. The price level of the eateries is relatively similar. Assessments are accordingly difficult to make. It is best to ask yourself on site and try the many restaurants. In the Alberghi and hotels, however, lunch and dinner are usually also offered.
nightlife
see main article on Elba nightlife
accommodation
The same applies as for gastronomy. The range of Alberghi and hotels is more diversified in terms of price and ranges from one to four stars, and there are also various apartment houses and holiday apartments.
Learn
For language, sailing, surfing and other courses, the easiest way to get information is on site.
Work
Not very relevant as a work goal for the German-speaking area. The majority of the seasonal workers come from southern Italy. But it doesn't cost anything to ask.
health
- Farmacia Dr. Magi, Via Guerrazzi 34. Tel.: 39 0565 962 015.
Practical advice
As in general on Elba, mainly Italian is spoken. Basic knowledge of Italian is therefore not harmful in any way, and may even make it easier. It is best to always have a pocket dictionary handy. German, French and English are rudimentary skills. The post office is located on the Piazza Santa Barbara (west entrance to the city).
trips
In the old mining area, there are of course excursions to the partly renatured opencast pits. But exploring the east side of Elba is also attractive. Cavo as the northernmost place, the numerous small bays around the iron ore core of the island beckon as well as the places around. For sporty types there are bike tours that can be very sporty depending on the destination.
Literature and sources
see main article about the island of Elba ProntoElba print edition June 2019 - EDIMEDIA S.r.L. Florence
