Portoferraio Cathedral
A historic church in Portoferraio, housing relics of the patron saint and a crown commemorating Napoleon's exile.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Portoferraio Cathedral
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church in Portoferraio, housing relics of the patron saint and a crown commemorating Napoleon's exile.
"Worth a visit for its historical ties and beautiful religious art, especially the Black Madonna."
Check Hours Before Visiting
Hours can be inconsistent, especially on Sundays. Confirm before you arrive to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily visit Napoleon's museum and other historic sites nearby. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Relics of Saint Cristino Martire
Under the high altar
See the sacred relics of Portoferraio's patron saint, a deeply spiritual experience.
Napoleon's Commemorative Crown
Left side shrine
A large wooden crown symbolizing Napoleon's transformation of a church into a theater.
Black Madonna and Child
Chapel of the Virgin of Loreto
Admire the revered wooden statue of the Black Madonna and Child in a serene chapel.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Hours Before Visiting
Hours can be inconsistent, especially on Sundays. Confirm before you arrive to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily visit Napoleon's museum and other historic sites nearby. :world_map:
Admire the Artistry
The stained-glass windows and pipe organ are particularly noteworthy. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Hours Before Visiting
Hours can be inconsistent, especially on Sundays. Confirm before you arrive to avoid disappointment. :clock1:
Combine with Nearby Sites
Easily visit Napoleon's museum and other historic sites nearby. :world_map:
Admire the Artistry
The stained-glass windows and pipe organ are particularly noteworthy. :art:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Portoferraio Cathedral to be a worthwhile stop, appreciating its historical significance, particularly its connection to Napoleon, and its beautiful interior details like the stained-glass windows and the Black Madonna statue. Some note that checking opening hours is crucial as they can be inconsistent.
"It's quite nice, I also think they have a museum next door.
It looks very large and detailed, the windows are beautiful."
Juanito
"The Church of the Misericordia, built in 1677, is located in the historic center of Portoferraio, about halfway up Salita Napoleone. The interior has a single nave and preserves, under the high altar, a shrine containing the relics of Saint Cristino Martire, the city's patron saint. In another shrine on the left side, a large wooden royal crown is displayed, commemorating Napoleon Bonaparte's sacrilegious act of transforming the Church of the Carmine into a theater. Noteworthy is the pipe organ on the counterfaçade, dating back to 1792. The chapel behind it, built in 1746 and accessed directly from the church, is dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto. At the altar, a wooden statue of the Black Madonna and Child is featured, while a niche to the side houses a statue of the Dead Christ. The Church of the Misericordia, in our opinion, is undoubtedly worth a visit."
angela&roberto stocco
"The island of Elba is known for Napoleon, who in 1814 was detained there for 300 days. This is the small Misericordia Church from 1677, also known as the Church of St. Crispina, whose relics are kept there. Since 1764, St. Crispin has been the patron of the city of Portoferraio. The entrance to the church is rather unsightly, so you can find it when you climb the stairs to Napoleon's castle"
Suncana B
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Portoferraio Cathedral, also known as the Church of the Misericordia, is located in the historic center of Portoferraio, halfway up Salita Napoleone. It's easily accessible on foot from the main port area and is often visited in conjunction with Napoleon's museum.
Parking in the historic center of Portoferraio can be challenging. It's recommended to park in the public lots near the port and walk up to the cathedral.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Portoferraio Cathedral is generally free, though donations are appreciated. It's advisable to check for any special event ticketing.
Opening hours can vary, and the cathedral may be closed on Sundays. It's best to confirm the current schedule before your visit.
The museum adjacent to the cathedral, often referred to as Napoleon's museum, typically has its own operating hours. It's recommended to check its specific schedule.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a single nave, the relics of Saint Cristino Martire under the high altar, a commemorative wooden crown, a pipe organ, and the chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Loreto featuring a Black Madonna statue.
The large wooden royal crown displayed commemorates Napoleon Bonaparte's act of transforming the Church of the Carmine into a theater during his exile.
Photography policies can vary. It's respectful to check for any signage or ask a church official before taking pictures inside.
The cathedral is located on a slope (Salita Napoleone), and while the interior is on one level, reaching it might involve stairs. Accessibility information should be confirmed directly.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the historic center of Portoferraio has numerous restaurants and cafes offering local Tuscan cuisine. You'll find many options within a short walk.
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