Not far from Camp Darby is a famous shrine that Soldiers, civilians and families may want to visit.
Montenero is one of the best known touristic areas in Tuscany, its fame due principally to the sanctuary that originated with a small oratory in the Middle Ages and has been transformed over centuries to become a large basilica consecrated in 1818.
The 17th-century altar houses the tabernacle and sacred image of the Madonna of Montenero, a 14th-century painting from the Pisan school.
Visitors may find the galleria degli ex-voto in the church interesting. It is a huge collection of paintings, model ships, and a variety of objects given by the faithful in thanks for being saved by the Madonna di Montenero from various disasters, from domestic accidents to storms at sea and shipwrecks.
Camp Darby Military Community has another connection to Montenero besides the close proximity: DMC played a relevant role in the recently renovated oratory.
When Santa Maria of Montenero Parson, Don Luca Bernardo Giustarini asked for assistance with construction of a new area for children in May 2014, the deputy manager of DMC did not hesitate to agree to help.
"The church in Montenero supports over 240 families in need, and it is getting more and more difficult to be able to grant assistance," said Don Luca. "We are in need of any help we can get to give the youngsters of our community a safe place to play and pray."
Some fitness equipment donations, including a volleyball net and volleyball, basketball, football, and assorted roller skates, were rapidly put together and delivered to the church.
The oratory is now open to the public and children can play in a safe environment.
Located on a hill at 300 meters above the sea level, Montenero offers a spectacular view overlooking the sea. From the hill it is possible to observe Meloria Island, Elba Island, Corsica and Sardinia, as well as the minor island of Gorgona. The coast from the port in Livorno all the way to Pisa can also be viewed from atop the hill.
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