Poggio: Medieval Village Setting and Paths Through Nature

Poggio preserves the layout of spaces characteristic of a medieval village. An obelisk by Giò Pomodoro stands in Piazza Umberto I. The Chiesa di San Niccolò combines the functions of a church and a fortress; two bastions stand on either side of the façade. The Chiesa di San Defendente is located in Poggio, was built at the beginning of the 16th century, and renovated in 1876. Within a small area, you will therefore encounter a cohesive historic village setting, public art, and religious buildings with different histories. Several centuries separate the construction and renovation of San Defendente.

Hiking Trails with Different Timeframes

The circular route via Sentieri Elba Nos. 181 and 180, Provincial Road No. 25, and Sentiero Elba No. 157 connects Marciana Marina, Poggio, and Marciana. The entire route is indicated as taking approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. A second connection is Stage 3 of the GTE: it leads from Procchio to Poggio, is 11.84 km long, and has an average walking time of 5 hours. For planning your day, this means two different time and route formats are available: a round trip of approximately four and a half hours through three villages, and an 11.84-kilometre stage with an average walking time of five hours.

Holm Oaks, Maquis, and Replanted Pine Forest

The route of Sentieri Elba Nos. 181 and 180 passes through holm-oak forests with Quercus ilex and dense maquis. Alaterno, botanically known as Rhamnus alaternus, is prominent there, along with broom, botanically known as Spartium junceum. These are joined by areas of tree heath and strawberry tree, Erica arborea and Arbutus unedo, as well as an artificially planted pine forest created through reforestation. The route therefore represents a landscape in which different types of forest and vegetation follow one another in close succession. Visitors interested in natural history will encounter a combination of trees and shrubs, together with an artificially planted pine forest created through reforestation.

Squares, Paths, and Quiet Points of Orientation

The district’s Piazza del Castagneto is completely paved with granite slabs; this is where the Percorso Spirituale from Poggio begins. In the forests around Poggio Terme lies the mineral-rich Fonte di Napoleone spring. You can obtain water there free of charge at a drinking fountain. The route therefore begins in the paved-up district, while the spring forms a separate natural point in the forests around Poggio Terme. Together, these two places complement the historic centre with a paved square and a specific natural site outside the densely built-up areas.

Evening Connection and Autumn Tradition

MòviMarciana is an evening shuttle service connecting Marciana, Poggio, and Marciana Marina. Poggio’s local festival tradition is represented by the Castagnata. It is a traditional autumn festival held as part of the Settimana delle castagne, and has already reached its sixth edition. The evening shuttle service and the autumn festival refer to two different times of day or year: MòviMarciana belongs to the evening, while the Castagnata belongs to autumn. In addition to churches, squares, and hiking trails, a seasonal festival is therefore also part of Poggio’s character.

More destinations for planning your trip: Chiessi, La Guardia, Procchio, Marciana Marina, Pomonte

For the higher-level travel overview: Marciana.