Piombino is situated on a promontory jutting out into the sea. It was the capital of an ancient Italian state and is heir to classical and medieval, as well as Etruscan metalworking traditions. There is much artistic evidence of the past in Piombino. There is the imprint of the Renaissance from the work done by the Florentine architect, A. Guardi, during the rule of the Appiani. Under this family, the territory was a lordship from 1399 until 1589 when it became a principality. While under the rule of the Boncompagni-Ludovisi family it was taken by the French and in 1805 Napoleon Bonaparte gave it to his sister Elisa. She left her mark, and Piombino became known for a time as 'little Paris'. Leonardo da Vinci was among the many illustrious visitors to the city. He came here in 1502 and 1504 and did studies and drawings that are now in Madrid. What was once the port of Falesia (to which there are historical references dating back to the Sth century A.D.) is today Tuscany's most important passenger port, connecting the mainland with the Island of Elba, the Tuscan Archipelago, Sardinia and Corsica. Piombino has much to offer: art, history, folklore, fine cooking and the sea. Its natural features are very similar to those of the islands of the Archipelago that it faces. The 31,5 kms of coast, (22 kms sandy and 9,5 kms rocky) to be reached either from the sea or from the land, the particularly mild climate, the crystal-clear waters and astonishing seabed all go to make Piombino an ideal place for recreation and relaxation, for people of all ages. There is something here to suit all tastes. A sporting or cultural holiday, or one for those who want to enjoy contact with nature can be had at any time of the year. Each season has something different to offer. In spring and autumn. when nature is at her most generous with scents and colours, the visitor can rind things that often are hidden during the summer. Empty beaches, facilities for tennis, rollerskating, football, horseriding, trekking. and boat trips. Lessons in sailing, surfing, swimming, and underwater diving. Ferry links with Elba, Corsica and Sardinia. Hotel and other accommodation for 6,000 visitors, with work in progress to double this capacity. Hotels, camp sites, and tourist villages near the sea. Restaurants, pizzerie, farm and country house accommodation, where services are constantly being improved upon. All these elements together makeup the hospitality offered by this town that stretches out into the sea, as if to touch the nearby island of Elba.