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Archaeological Walks – Itinerary 3

THE ITINERARIES by ELBATUTTANATURA®

An excursion exploring the ancient roots of the mountains on Elba, from Marciana to Capo Sant’Andrea. Time: 4 hours.

Departing from Marciana (350 m), from the ancient gateway to the village near the church of Santa Caterina, following the pathway marked number 3, which goes through the village in a series of stairways.
There are two structures of great interest in the upper part of the village, which merit at least a brief visit: the Archaeological Museum (with exhibits form prehistoric, Etruscan and Roman times) and the Fortress. Leaving the village behind, the path to the Sanctuary of the Madonna of the Mountain (632 m) follows a paved route sloping gently upwards, flanked by the characteristic chapels marking the Stations of the Cross. The Sanctuary is rich in historical references; Napoleon Bonaparte himself stayed here in August 1814 for a secret meeting with Maria Walewska and her son Alessandro. It is said that the panoramic view to Corsica, his birthplace, was the inspiration behind his escape plan and subsequent attempt to regain power. The Sanctuary is famous for the purity and freshness of its water, and contains a fresco attributed to Il Sodoma.
The area surrounding the sanctuary is rich in archaeological findings dating back to the Bronze Age, when the area was inhabited by people from Liguria and the Apennines, who were mainly farmers. To visit these caves and other constructions, including dolmens and “goat pens”, the path towards the north should be followed for a few hundred metres beyond the Sanctuary, reaching the rocky complex known as “L’Aquila”.

Another interesting area for goat pens and stone shelters is that around Serraventosa (630 m), about 1 km to the west. From here, the peak of Monte Giove (855 m) is reached following a path along the ridge. Monte Giove provides some of the most spectacular views on the island, and the area is also renowned for the characteristic rocks, the forms of which seem to be human beings and animals sculpted by the wind. From Monte Giove, the descent goes back to the Sanctuary, and then path 3 is followed for about 700 metres, then path 13 until reaching the provincial road in La Zanca (150 m). From here, an ancient pathway is taken leading back to Capo Sant’Andrea (2 m).

> The route on google maps

> View also Archeo - Trekking

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