Eremo di S. Croce del Corvo

History

On the Corvo promontory, where the river Magra meets the sea, stood a medieval monastery tied to one of literature's most fascinating legends: here, according to the letter of Friar Ilaro, Dante is said to have stopped while fleeing towards France, speaking of his Commedia. In 1952 the Discalced Carmelites, on the initiative of Father Anastasio Ballestrero (future cardinal of Turin), revived the site by settling in the former Fabbricotti castle: since then it has been a house of spirituality and hospitality overlooking the Apuan Alps and the gulf.

Visiting

What to see

Romanesque-Byzantine crucifix (X-XII centuries). Medieval cloister. Connection with Dante Alighieri: legend says monk Ilario received the manuscript of the Inferno here.

Surroundings

Bocca di Magra at the mouth of the Magra river, Gulf of La Spezia. Ligurian Coast. Alta Via del Golfo. Beaches and fresh fish restaurants.

Visitor information

Limited hours, visits during religious services. Contact the monastery for retreat information.

Contacts

0187 60911 · monasterosantacroce.it · info@monasterosantacroce.it

Hospitality and where to sleep

Guesthouse available

House of spirituality and hospitality open all year: 90 en-suite rooms and cottages in the park, full or half board, booking by phone or email.

Beds and prices

One of the largest religious guesthouses in the area: about 90 en-suite rooms (180 beds) — singles, doubles and multi-bed rooms, many with sea views — plus self-catering cottages in the park. Typical formula full board or half board; indicative rates quoted by religious-tourism portals around 54-64 € per person full board, to be confirmed when booking. To book: tel. 0187 60911, info@monasterosantacroce.it.

Services

In-house catering (breakfast and meals for guests), common rooms and park; the sea is 15 minutes away on foot through the wood (downhill going, uphill coming back). Bars, restaurants and small shops down in Bocca di Magra. Water available in the house; for wifi and charging ask at reception: the house is designed for rest and silence rather than connectivity.

Places to stay nearby (within 15 km)

• Monastero Santa Croce del Corvoguesthouse
  Bocca di Magra, Ameglia (SP) · 0.0 km as the crow flies

  Price:

  n/a (board-style rates)

  Open:

  year-round, booking required

  Facilities:

  90 rooms, refectory, seaside grounds

  Source:

  monasterosantacroce.it (Carmelitani Scalzi)

  Carmelite guesthouse at S. Croce del Corvo, stage finish at the mouth of the Magra.

Getting there by bike

From Bocca di Magra (reached on flat valley roads from Sarzana or along the coast) climb via Santa Croce: a short asphalted ramp, steep but brief, up to the monastery forecourt at the top of the promontory. Bikes can be left in the grounds — ask at reception. Free access for guests and for those attending activities.

The ramp up to Bocca di Magra is short but stings, then the square opens onto the gulf. Ninety rooms give room to breathe even for a tired group of cyclists. The sea is reached on foot through the wood, downhill on the way there and uphill on the way back.

The bike can be left indoors, ask at reception. Water on site; bars and restaurants down in Bocca di Magra.

Map and stages