Cavo
Cavo: a fraction of Rio with an ancient history and many beauties to discover
The fraction of Cavo is located in the Italian municipality of Rio in the province of Livorno, in Tuscany. The village is located a short distance from the extreme northeastern tip of Elba Island. Cavo derives from "capo," which means "promontory," whose presence has been attested since the Roman Civilization.
History of Cavo
The origin of the toponym "Caput Sancti Mannati de Ilba" dates back to the medieval era in reference to the presence of the Church of San Bennato, which then corrupted into "San Mennato" and "San Bennato." Today, there are few traces of the wall perimeter of the building destroyed in 1910.
In the past, the locality was called Caput Vie, meaning "head of the [maritime] road." A short distance from Cavo is the extreme northeastern promontory of the island, called Capo la Vite since the 16th century, but its original name was Caput Vie.
In 1849, Giuseppe Garibaldi stopped in Cavo while traveling from the island to the mainland. In the 19th century, the village became the preferred summer resort of the Tonietti family, and the "Villa Bellariva" in neo-Gothic style, the "Villa Tonietti," and the "Tonietti Chapel" were built.
Monuments and places of interest
In Cavo, there are many places of historical and architectural interest, such as the Tonietti Chapel, designed by Gino Coppedè, the remains of the Church of San Bennato, Villa Bellariva, Villa Tonietti, the Roman Villa of Capo Castello, and the Montegrosso Lighthouse.
Infrastructure and transport
The fraction of Cavo is easily accessible from the mainland thanks to the hydrofoil services offered by Toremar. In summer, many tourists use the ferry of the Moby Lines company to reach the island.
Conclusions
Cavo is a lovely place, rich in history and culture, which represents an ideal destination for those who want to discover the hidden beauties of Elba Island. The Tonietti Chapel, the Roman Villa of Capo Castello, and Villa Bellariva are just some of the many wonders that await you. Come and visit this magical place and let yourself be enchanted by its unique charm!
