 Wednesday, August 20, 2008 |
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MarcianaThe Elba island's municipalitiesLeaving 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.
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).
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. By following a track which is located in the vicinity of the fortress we will eventually encounter this sanctuary which lies hidden amongst old chestnut trees. 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. Beaches: Chiessi (rocks), La Paolina (sand), Patresi (shingle), Pomonte (shingle and rocks), Procchio (sand), Punta Nera (rocks), S. Andrea (sand and rocks), Spartaia (sand). Hamlets: Chiessi, Cotoncello, Il Mortaio, Poggio, Pomonte, Procchio, Redinoce, La zanca, S. Andrea. Other areas of hitorical and cultural interest: Church of San Cerbone, Madonna del Monte, Archaeological Museum. |
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up
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.
