Hiking to Sant'Alesiu Chapel in Valle d'Alesani
At the top of the village of Alesani, in the hamlet of Quercetu, begins the path that leads to the Chapel of Sant'Alesiu, whose eponymous saint is celebrated on 17 July by pilgrims from the region.
The path to the chapel
This hiking trail starts at the top of the hamlet of Quercetu, with its very last dwellings and a fountain in front of which you can park at the foot of the many chestnut trees that line the path. As you get higher up, you can see the village of Valle d'Alesani and the hamlet of Quercetu in the clear.
The climb to the chapel is a steady one, with an average gradient of around 20%, requiring good legs but compensating for the relatively short distance of just under 1.5 km.
View over the entire valley
Built on a mountain ridge, the chapel marks the arrival and destination of this hike, with a remarkable view over the Alesani valley, whose dam is hidden by the mountain slopes. Monte Castellu d'Osari can also be seen to the east, with the island of Elba in the background on a clear day.
Procession to Sant Alesiu chapel on 17 July
Every year, a procession climbs up to the chapel for the patron saint's day, where a mass is celebrated followed by an open-air picnic, a merendella.
