Marciana
Il Comune di Marciana all'Isola d'Elba
Leaving behind the warmth of the sea, lets
head towards the slopes of the mountains
in search of tranquility and relief from
the heat. Situated at an altitude of 375
meters above sea level, Marciana is one
of Elba's most antique towns, boasting an
abundance of historic and archeological
wealth.
Under the rule of the Appiani, who chose
this village for their residence, the small
town of Marciana was transformed. A fortress
was erected to protect the village's foundary
and mint and was to be recognised later
as one of the most effective forts of Elba.
Marciana
The town of Marciana seems to remain engulfed in an ancient medievel atmosphere; the enterance gates, narrow lanes and stairways, balconies decorated with colorful plants and flowers. Not far from the towns centre is a chair lift which extends along the mountainsides that leads to the peak of Mount Capanne at over 1000 meters above sea level.
Of particular historical interest is the archeological museum which houses an array of significant findings.
For Trekking enthusiasts, the CAI n1 path that begins in the towns piazza leading up to the secluded San Cerbone at 530 meters of altitude is not to be missed. This is the place Saint Cerbone sought refuge back in 572 on his way to reaching the highest peak on the Island of Elba, Mount Capanne (1019 metres).
Another
picturesque itinerary starts near the XII
century Fortress, in the higher part of
the town. The Fortress was built during
the Republic of Pisa and used by the people
as a shelter during incursions by pirates.
The trail, which winds through centuries-old chestnut woods, leads to the Madonna del Monte Sanctuary, on the northern side of Monte Giove, 627 metres above sea level. Already a place of worship in 1300, the sanctuary was built in 1595 and after a series of reconstructions, took on its present-day form.
At a short distance from Marciana, continuing up the hills the small village of Poggio awaits. Time appears to be standing still in this town with her cobble stone roads lined with colorful flowering balconies. Life proceeds at a leisurely pace, keeping to the rhythm of the chiming bells of the towns churches, San Nicolo and San Lorenzo, questa pieve romanica venne distrutta dai Turchi nel 1554. Oggi è monumento nazionale.
Nestled in the chestnut and holm oak woods
not far from here flow the mineral waters
of the renowned "Fonte Napoleone"
springs.
Other popular Hamlets within the district
of Marciana are the seaside resorts of Procchio,
Sant'Andrea, Chiessi and Pomonte.
Other areas of hitorical and cultural interest: Chiesa di San Cerbone, Madonna del Monte, Museo Archeologico.
Marciana Beaches: Chiessi (rock), La Paolina (sand), Patresi (shingle), Pomonte (shingle and rock), Procchio (sand), Punta Nera (rock), S.Andrea (sand and shingle), Spartaia (sand).
Marciana Hamlets: Chiessi, Cotoncello, Il Mortaio, Poggio, Pomonte, Procchio, Redinoce, La Zanca, S. Andrea.
CAP (ZIP Code): 57030; Area Code: 0565
