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

Starting point/End point: Marciana
Average time: 1 hour
Distance: 3.4 km
Trail difficulty: medium-easy
Elevation gain: 322 m
Trail numbers: n. 103, n. 103 B
Points of interest: Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte
What to find: Monsters of Stone
Recommended detours: Marciana

The starting point of the itinerary, which involves a round trip on trail n. 103, is the village of Marciana, a small hilltop village with granite-paved streets and houses perched on the promontory.

At the square of the Marciana Fortress, where you can park your car, we recommend stepping out onto the panoramic terrace to admire the stunning view extending over Marciana Marina, Capo d'Enfola, and Poggio.

Near the fortress, descend about 50 meters along the road and take the uphill path on the left, well signposted with appropriate markers. It’s an ancient stone-paved road surrounded by chestnut trees, which in just a few minutes leads to a small clearing with a resting point. Here you’ll find the first of the 14 chapels of the Stations of the Cross.

Interesting fact: The 14 votive shrines encountered along the path to the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte represent the stations of the Via Crucis, marking the use of the sanctuary as a pilgrimage destination for the local population.

The trail, which follows the northern side of Monte Giove, begins to offer more panoramic views, and at times, on the ridge to the right, you can spot rocks shaped like animals. These are the Monsters of Stone, natural stone formations that populate the trails between the mountains and coast of the Island of Elba.

Continuing the hike, the ascent gradually becomes steeper until reaching the Sanctuary of Madonna del Monte, a solemn and magical place where lush vegetation thrives, and the chestnut groves that adorn it offer shelter and coolness, creating beautiful plays of light and color.

Dating back to the 12th century, this sanctuary dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin is one of the oldest on the island.

infoelba recommends: In the panoramic area of Madonna del Monte, you can stop and enjoy a picnic in a charming natural setting.

The church’s forecourt is an elegant exedra from the late 17th century, where you can refill with excellent water that flows perpetually from one of the three mascarons of the beautiful granite fountain.

infoelba recommends: The sanctuary is a crossroads for several interesting trails that cross the valleys of the Monte Capanne massif.

By taking trail n. 103B, which is located just a short distance from the sanctuary, you can reach some Monsters of Stone seen during the hike and the Napoleon's optical telegraph. Climbing the large granite boulders, you can enjoy the stunning panoramic view over the open sea.

Returning on the same path, to head back to Marciana, retrace the same route you took on the way up.