Monte Amiata Cross, Iron cross monument at Monte Amiata summit, Italy
The Monte Amiata Cross is a 22-meter-high monument made of wrought iron that stands at the summit of the mountain and features decorative elements in the Belle Epoque style. The structure rests on a substantial base and is visible from many points across Tuscany on clear days.
The monument was erected in the early 1900s following Pope Leo XIII's call to celebrate the Holy Year of 1900, and was completed by 1910. After suffering damage during World War II, it was restored and honored in 1946 by Pope Pius XII in a radio address.
The cross serves as a place where pilgrims and hikers pause to pray or reflect while taking in the surrounding landscape. Its wrought iron construction with Belle Epoque decorative details demonstrates the connection between religious faith and artistic craftsmanship that was important to those who built it.
The cross sits at a high point of the mountain that can be reached from several hiking trails and serves as an orientation point for hikes in the area. Visitors should know that the summit can be quite windy and sturdy footwear is needed for the walk up.
The monument was built with considerable effort by hand, with heavy iron parts transported up the mountain by mule. This hands-on construction process from the early 1900s shows just how important the project was considered to be.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
