San Francesco di Saverio Hermitage

The Hermitage of San Francesco di Saverio is located in a solitary and green valley at the foot of Monte Maolo. The path leading to it is immersed in a forest of chestnut trees and oaks, creating a sacred, almost magical atmosphere.

The hermitage is dedicated to San Francesco di Saverio, a Spanish missionary who, during his travels, crossed Japan, India, and Malaysia.

Its construction dates back to the 16th-17th century, a period when hermitism was a widespread practice in Italy and Europe. The small religious complex soon became a place of reference for hermits and pilgrims seeking solitude and reflection.

Among the most significant figures who lived in the hermitage were Giovanbattista Cardelli, a hermit in 1749, known for his profound austerity and religious rigor, Gaspare Ammannati, a hermit in 1777, a man of great culture and a scholar of theology, Jaime Ortaglia di Valencia, a hermit in 1798, originally from Spain, who came to Elba to dedicate himself to the hermitic life, and Giovanbattista Paris di Pontedera, a hermit buried in the hermitage in 1808.

During the 19th century, the hermitage entered a period of decay and abandonment. Its structure began to deteriorate, and the number of hermits drastically decreased. However, in the mid-19th century, some restoration efforts were made, which allowed the complex to be preserved and its historical memory maintained.

Its ruins still show some of the elements that made up the architectural and decorative structure of the chapel, including the masonry altar, topped by a triangular niche illuminated by the sun that enters through a small window on the north side, and some parts of colored plaster. On the south side, an opening led to the sacristy; from here, one could access the place where the hermits stayed.

Infoelba recommends: Along the road that ascends towards Monte Perone, you can also visit the Torre di San Giovanni and the Pieve di San Giovanni.