Madonna del Monte, Religious shrine in Marciana, Italy
Madonna del Monte is a shrine on Monte Giove on the island of Elba, built as a three-nave granite church surrounded by small fountains. Inside, a 13th-century fresco depicting the Assumption of Mary occupies a central place on the wall.
The site was first recorded in the 14th century under the name Sancta Maria de Monte, making it the oldest known place of worship on Elba. Over the following centuries it grew into a major destination for pilgrims coming from across the island and beyond.
The shrine is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and draws believers from across the region, as it has for centuries. Inside, rows of votive plates cover the walls, each one a personal testimony left by someone who came here seeking help or giving thanks.
A footpath leads from Marciana Alta to the shrine through chestnut forest, with a steady uphill section along the way. Sturdy shoes are a good idea, and setting out early in the morning gives you time to arrive before the path gets busy.
In August 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte came to this spot and met in secret with Countess Maria Walewska and their son Alexandre. The meeting was kept quiet for a long time and became known only through letters and accounts that surfaced later.
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