Poggio, Island of Elba

Perched beneath the summit of Mount Capanne, Poggio is a small mountain village that is part of the municipality of Marciana, surrounded by characteristic chestnut forests of this side of the Island of Elba.

During the Middle Ages, due to its strategically dominant position, Poggio assumed the characteristic spiral (helix-shaped) structure with its network of narrow, granite-paved alleys, concentric around the small square of the Church of San Niccolò.

The Church of San Niccolò is, like others on the Island of Elba, a classic example of a fortified church. It is likely that the fortification of the church occurred around 1556, along with other churches in Rio Elba and San Piero. It was indeed the period of Turkish and Barbary pirate raids on the Island of Elba and the entire Tuscan Archipelago. Located at the highest point of the village, from here one can enjoy a stunning view of Marciana and Mount Capanne.

The small square in front of the church hosts one of the works by Giò Pomodoro "a fountain as a reference point and directional compass, in counterpoint to the Church of San Niccolò, once a fortress that dominates the square with its monumental bulk."

Descending to Piazza del Castagneto, you can also spot other structures that were part of the fortifications. In fact, the houses that now overlook the square were once a tower, a bastion, and other structures built to defend the entrance gate to the fortresses.

The same gate is very particular: being generally the weakest element of fortifications, it was designed in an absolutely strategic way because anyone entering would be immediately exposed to blows from above.

From Piazza del Castagneto, one can admire the view that extends from the valley below all the way to Marciana Marina, Enfola, and the coast of Piombino.

Not far from the village is a place closely associated with the presence of Napoleon Bonaparte on the Island of Elba: the Napoleon's Spring, made famous by the French Emperor for its miraculous healing properties.

According to a plaque, the emperor trusted "this spring, seeking new health and energy [...] it healed bodily ailments and he departed cured." Even today, it is possible to visit the spring and refresh oneself before continuing the journey.

Between the towns of Poggio and Marciana, there is also the austere San Cerbone Hermitage, enveloped and protected by a beautiful chestnut forest. To reach it, one can follow a very simple and short route (about 30 minutes) starting from a path near Napoleon's Spring, or alternatively take a short hike from Marciana, which is also very beautiful from a naturalistic perspective.

Events: The last week of October in Poggio, the Castagnata is organized. The streets of the village are set up with food and wine stalls offering all the specialties of the Elban tradition based on chestnuts.
To find out the event program, visit the website www.elbaeventi.it.