Poggio
Welcome to Poggio!
Welcome to Poggio, a small hamlet in the municipality of Marciana, on the island of Elba in Tuscany! This charming village is situated at an altitude of about 400 meters on a ridge of Monte Capanne, offering breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The beauty of nature
Poggio is surrounded by forests of chestnut, oak, hornbeam, and holly, which extend down to the mountain slopes. Those who love nature can admire the beauty of the local flora and fauna: encounters with squirrels, hares, foxes, and many other wild animals are not uncommon.
For those who love hiking, Poggio offers many possibilities: there are several panoramic trails that lead to the valleys below, where waterfalls and streams can be admired. A hike on Monte Capanne, a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts, is a must.
The history of Poggio
Poggio has a rich history dating back to the Etruscan era. On its hills are the remains of an oppidum dating back to the 6th-4th century BC. During the Middle Ages, it acquired its characteristic coclidean structure, surrounded by narrow alleys and gateways.
From the 18th century, the village underwent significant urban transformations, such as the enlargement of the churches of San Niccolò and San Defendente. In 1814, it was chosen by Napoleon as his residence during his exile on Elba. In 1898, the painter Telemaco Signorini immortalized Poggio in numerous paintings, becoming famous throughout Italy. His works can still be admired in the Museum of Elba Island.
Visiting Poggio
Poggio is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, relaxation, and the desire to disconnect from the frenzy of daily life. There are many beautiful things to see, such as the 13th-century San Niccolò church and the San Defendente church, built by the Benedictine monk Ildebrando.
Every year in Poggio, a religious festival in honor of St. Nicholas of Bari takes place on December 6th. On this occasion, the village streets are filled with numerous stalls selling local products and crafts.
For food and wine lovers, Poggio offers the opportunity to taste typical Elba dishes such as Livornese fish soup, drunken cake, and rabbit in hunter's sauce.
Poggio's delicacies
Poggio is not lacking in delicacies: chestnuts, for example, are a typical local product that is celebrated every year with the Chestnut Festival. In every season, it is also possible to buy local honey, olive oil, and wine.
A pastry shop not to be missed is Dei Mollica, where you can taste the famous Poggio desserts. In addition, in the heart of the village, there is also the Da Pasquale gelateria, where tourists can enjoy excellent homemade ice cream.
Villa Del Buono
One cannot talk about Poggio without mentioning the Villa Del Buono, a work of the architect Adolfo Coppedè, dating back to 1899. The villa is located in a panoramic position, surrounded by a large garden full of exotic plants and scented flowers. In Poggio, you can also visit the Napoleon House Museum, which was located in Villa Del Buono from 1814 to 1815.
Conclusions
Poggio, with its millennia-old history, the beauty of its hills, the diversity of its flora, and the taste of its typical products, is an ideal tourist destination for those seeking peaceful vacations in contact with nature. The village, which in the past hosted the great Napoleon Bonaparte, deserves to be visited to better understand the culture and traditions of the island of Elba.
