SANTUARIO DI MONSERRATO
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In the heart of dense vegetation, this small pinkish chapel was a great place of pilgrimage in the 17th and 18th centuries.
As you climb, in the middle of wild and vigorous vegetation, you will see - in addition to goats or mouflons if you are lucky! - the small chapel of pinkish colour which merges with the stone that surrounds it. The sanctuary of Montserrat was built in 1606 by Josè Ponce di Leon, the first Spanish governor of Porto Longone (Porto Azzurro), in homage to the Black Virgin of Montserrat, patron saint of Catalonia. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the sanctuary became a famous place of pilgrimage on the island. Some hermits resided in the monastery, adjacent to the church. In September 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte, accompanied by Pons de l'Hérault and Henri-Gatien Bertrand, visited the sanctuary of Monserrato.
Recent archaeological excavations have uncovered fragments of Etruscan ceramics at the foot of the hill where the sanctuary is located. An ancient religious site, certainly an Etruscan temple, probably stood there.
Every year, on September 8, the inhabitants of Porto Azzurro celebrate the feast of the Black Madonna of Montserrat and the sanctuary reconnects with its spiritual past.Access: from Porto Azzurro, take the main road to Rio Marina. After about 600 metres, turn left at the sign "Monserrato", follow the dirt road and park and continue on foot. The ascent to the sanctuary is not too difficult, if you walk quietly count about ten minutes. The panorama that accompanies the ascent is worth the effort!
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