The Via Crucis of the Madonna del Monte - Trekking excursion on the Island of Elba

Difference in height above sea level: 160 mt;
How long it takes: 1 hour;
Level of difficulty: easy;

You start off at the [page id="465"][town of Marciana[/page], a small, hillside town rich in granite lanes and alleys as well as narrow houses on top of a promontory that looks very like an arrow head.

You can park your car next to the Fortress of Marciana that is in the highest part of the town, just outside the town itself, and from here you have a breathtaking view of Marciana Marina, Poggio and Capo d'Enfola.

From here you go down the road for about 50 metres then follow the signs for the road to your left made with granite slabs.

Interesting fact: As you head up towards the Sanctuary you will see there are 14 votive chapels on both sides of the road, all painted with scenes from the Stations of The Cross as well as some works done by several contemporary artists.

Go past the first chestnut trees until you get to the picnic area in a clearing with wooden benches and tables, where there is also a statue of an angel. The entire route is very scenic and at some points, on the ridge on your right, you can see some rocks that resemble animals: they are the Mostri di Pietra (or "Stone Monsters") that are some of the many natural rock formations to be found on the paths along the mountains and coasts of the Island of Elba.

It will take you approximately 1 hour to get to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monte. The last part is steep and once you get past the last granite ramp you will get to the clearing opposite the church (630 m) and the nearby hermitage, where you will see the plaque that says that in 1814  Napoleon lived there for several weeks along with his beloved Maria Walewska.

In the clearing, as well as wooden tables and benches, there is also a natural spring, and you will also enjoy admiring the enormous chestnut trees.

The churchyard is a strong>very elegant exedra dating back to the end of the seventeenth century and where, if you wish, you can also drink the cool water from the spring.

Once at the Madonna del Monte, if you wish you can keep going and follow one of the many routes that go across the Mediterranean bush, like the mule track that takes you to Chiessi or Pomonte (path number 103).

From here you can also get to some of the Stone Monsters, the strange granite conformations that you probably saw on your way up. Once you get to the enormous rocks, just look out across to the open sea on the horizon.