The legend of Innamorata

“It was 1534, and Elba’s coast was being raided by the pirate Barbarossa and his Saracens, but this mattered little to two young lovers, Maria and Lorenzo.

Their love was too strong, despite opposition from his wealthy family because of her family’s poverty.

Their eyes had first met on the wave-swept beach, while Lorenzo was helping the fishermen bring his family’s boats to safety.

From that moment on, the beach became their secret refuge, where they exchanged affection and promises of love.

On the afternoon of 14 July, Lorenzo arrived at the beach early. From the path above, Maria searched for her beloved, but saw a band of men who had come ashore in a small boat...

Helplessly, she watched a fierce fight break out. Lorenzo fought bravely, but was exhausted and taken prisoner.

Maria ran to the beach in time to see the pirate ship sailing away after a dying body had been thrown into the sea. Believing it to be her beloved, Maria threw herself into the water in a final, desperate act of love.

Only her shawl was found, caught on a rock that from then on was called “Ciarpa”.