During your stay in L'Ile-Rousse and Balagne, meet Guy Savelli, this history buff who will retrace the history of Balagne and Corsica through a rich collection of various and ancient objects. .
During the 1990s, this private museum was created by Mr. Guy SAVELLI on the history of Corsica. This Museum perched on the heights of CORBARA is in his personal house.

You will be able to discover: portraits, maps, vintage posters, handwritten letters, old musical instruments, many old books on the history of Corsica, paintings from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, pencil drawings, manuscripts on parchment from the 12th in the 17th century ...

There is also an extraordinary collection of styluses, the traditional Corsican knife, pistols, coins from the independent period, as well as many surprising objects.

Guy Savelli also collects everything related, near or far, to Pascal Paoli, u babbu di a patria.
To visit absolutely under the guidance of the owner.
This private museum is number 1 in Tripadvisor.

Discover the Baroque Collegiate Church, listed as historical monuments, its main altar and side altars in Carrara marble, its historic paintings and organs, its Treasury Museum with its collection of liturgical ornaments!
Discover the religious heritage of Corbara's Collegiate Church A Nunziata at the Treasure Museum.

Here you'll discover numerous works of art housed in the two rooms of the former sacristy.

You'll admire two 17th-century pieces of furniture; a rich collection of priestly vestments from the late 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, many of them restored; 17th- and 18th-century goldsmiths' and silversmiths' pieces; a bull issued by Pope Benedict XIV on March 15, 1752, elevating the church to the rank of Collegiate Church; 17th-century reliquaries...

An extraordinary collection to discover, under the guidance of a guide.

Tours are guided, and the museum takes part in Museum Night and Heritage Days.

Completed in 1375, the chapel occupied the arms room of the old castle of Corbara. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view, making it a must-do if you're visiting Corbara.
Completed in 1375 by Guido de Sabellis' descendant, Manonne, the "castel" (today's chapel) is located in the locality of U Forte, which marks the birth of a major urbanization around the village of Corbara, with the creation of hamlets and neighborhoods that would come to an end in the 18th century.

Partly destroyed by the Genoese, the building was named "Notre Dame des Sept Douleurs" (Our Lady of Seven Sorrows). In 1700, the Madonna chapel was established in the arms room of the old Corbara castel.

Saint-Dominique convent was founded in 1456 by two Franciscan priests of the Observantine Order. After being destroyed during the Revolution, the Dominicans rebuilt it as a place of study. It is now occupied by the community of Saint John.
The convent of Saint Francis of Aregno was founded by the Friars Minor of the Observance in 1456, representing one of the oldest convents of the Franciscan province of Corsica. During the French Revolution, the conventual property became "national property. From 1857 to 1864, the Dominicans set about rebuilding the convent. The Dominicans restored it as a school for the children of the region. Later, it was equipped with a college of philosophy and theology for religious students from the province of PARIS. After the separation of church and state, the Dominicans were expelled and the building became the property of the commune of Corbara. Left abandoned, German and Austrian prisoners were placed inside. Then, in 1927, the convent returned to the hands of the Dominicans for 66 years. In 1993, the friars of St. John took over the convent after the departure of the former friars. Pasquale de Paoli took advantage of his numerous stays there to gather his friends and advisors from the Balagne region. Famous people have stayed there such as De Didon, Peyrefitte, Roncalli and Maupassant. It is thus a real emblem for the town of Corbara.

This 17th-century Baroque-style church was built to replace the previous church which had become too small at "Piazza Save". It was an annex of Aléria cathedral and was granted collegiate status by Pope Benoît XIV.

Located on the edge of the village, it was built during the 6th and 7th century. Mass is celebrated here every year on 29 June. With its breathtaking view, this marvel provides the local people with an ideal place to meditate.

Notre Dame du Lazio in Corbara is an ancient sanctuary of Balagne. It dates from the Middle Ages and was rebuilt towards the end of the 18th century.

This building located next to the Collegiate church dates from the early 17th century. It is the seat of the Friary and the venue of various religious celebrations, includiing Saint Antoine (17 January) and Holy Week. The nave is decorated with paintings by artist Pietro Sicuri.

Located on one of the main squares of the village, Piazza di a Chjesa Vecchja, the chapel was rebuilt in the mid-17th century on the site of the old Medieval church which had been the parish church until the early 17th century when it became too small to accommodate all the followers.

Restored in 1997, the chapel houses some paintings by Chisa: on the walls are six paintings of the life of San Roccu and, suspended from the ceiling, twelve paintings depicting the life of Jesus and arranged in the shape of a cross.
Saint Roch was very popular in Corsica from the 14th to the 19th century. In Filicetu, the chapel dedicated to him was entrusted to the care of a hermit by the episcopal vicar of Ajaccio in 1865. In the chapel, one can see an 18th century statue of the saint made of cherry wood. In July, this statue is carried in procession to the church of St Nicolas and then brought back down at the end of August. On 16 August, the day of his feast, a procession goes around the village imploring his protection. As a sign of sharing, evoking the personality of the saint, blessed bread rolls are distributed at the end of the mass.

Built in the 11th century, this Romanesque chapel was stripped of its sacred objects and religious ledgers during an incursion of the Turks who then burnt and destroyed it. Its only nave has been consolidated with what little was left of the ruins.
Several attempts have been made to restore and consolidate it, which has not been easy since the chapel was seriously damaged by the transformations it underwent around the 17th century (apse cut off, extended nave). There is an "arca" inside, as evidenced by the marble plaque on which is engraved "ANNO 1686 DEL MONTICELLO". There are also funeral plaques of the oldest inhabitants of Monticello.

Built in the 18th century, this is one of Corsica's finest examples of Baroque churches. It houses some listed works, including some 17th-century paintings, the main altar, and balustrades of Carrare marble. The gallery features an organ built by Tomaso Pagnini de Lucca.

Built during the 18th century, it is one of the best achievements among Baroque churches in Corsica. It is home to some classified works, including some 17th-century paintings, the main altar and the balustrades of Carrare marble. The gallery features an organ built by Tomaso Pagnini de Lucca.

The hamlet of Poggiali is home to a small Baroque church which dates from the end of the 17th century.

The chapel of San Ghjacumu, Saint Jacques le Majeur, stands in the cemetery, a kilometre from the village. Built in 1110, it was in ruins before its reconstruction in 1635. It was restored in 1997 thanks to the generosity of Maria di Vincenza.

The ancient parish chapel, dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul, was built in the cemetery during the 9th century. Now in ruins, it has left its place to the tombs. Only the apse of the little Romanesque chapel still remains, worn by rainwater and seepage.
Here, a unique testimony in the iconography of frescoes in Corsica slowly fades away: the representation of a brotherhood of women, probably originally protected by the mantle of the Virgin in Majesty, in the centre of the apse and carrying on her knees the infant Jesus, of whom a pretty naked foot can still be seen. ... the women's faces are tense in prayer, the hands joined, the silhouettes drawn with a sure line and evoke a universe close to the small fresco of the chapel of Santa Restituda in Calenzana. In 1967 Mrs Geneviève Moracchini already sounded the alarm, and in 1985 Mr Joseph Orsolini wrote that run-off water and seepage were degrading the magnificent 15th century fresco. In 1646 this small chapel served as the parish church of the village of Nessa. It was classified as a historical monument in 1990 and nothing has been done to restore it and protect it from wind and rain.

The parish church of Saint Joseph is located in the heart of the village on Avenue Hui Bon Hoa, next to the old friary. It houses a number of classified works of art.

The ancient foundry's bellows support is still visible in this simple single-vault construction. It was in ruins before being converted into a fountain and decorated with a marble bas-relief feature by Toni Casalonga which represents the four seasons.

A small construction of earth which hides a 120-seat auditorium. An original venue used by singers and musicians from Corsica and beyond, for research, experiments, rehearsals and recordings.

A transformation of the choir area of this religious building, during the 18th century, included the addition of wall paintings in the apse by Toni Casalonga. The church also features two small bell towers and a remarkable organ which was built in 1881. Annual celebrations are held on 15 August and 8 December.

This former stockyard is a listed historical monument which was converted in 1974 into an open-air theatre. Restored in 1999, this outdoor venue enjoys views over the Laziu Valley, the Corbara Convent and Mount Sant'Anghjulu.

The Casa Musicale is an 18th-century mansion which, since 1995, has been a venue for the Centre Voce artists who stay here as well as others who come for various events and discussions. It is also a guesthouse.

This 18th-century mansion house, now a boutique hotel, has always belonged to the prominent Franceschini family of Balagne. It is a magnificent seaview property featuring three rooms and two suites, as well as a reputed restaurant.

The former Presbytery in the village centre is one of the oldest buildings in Pigna. Fully renovated, it is now an art and craft shop run by the Casa di l'Artigiani association.

The Parish of Santa Reparata is located on a spur where the church and bell tower stand tall. They were built during the 16th and 17th centuries, most probably on the site of an older building of which only the apse and the south wall of the choir still remain.

This 18th-century Baroque-style church is dedicated to San Roccu. Every 16 August, in honour of the saint, the population gathers "in allegria" for two days of celebrations and a torchlit procession.

The friary of Sant'Antone, behind Santa Reparata church, was built in 1600 and restored in 2005. In 1618, it was fitted with wooden stalls made by the Genoese master, Joannes Andreas Lucchini, and frescoes were painted on the ceilings.

The chapel belongs to the municipality and stands on the edge of Santa Reparata on the road to Monticello. Dating from the 17th century, it is dedicated to the illustrious Franciscan preacher from Tuscany. San Bernardinu is celebrated on 20 May.

Dating from the 18th century, it was originally an oratory. It features some marble frescoes and a superb wooden sculpture of Christ by Antoine Franceschini, a village craftsman who also had the gift of healing. The roof was restored in 2003.

During the Middle Ages, the fiefdom of Santa Reparata surrounded the old castle and four towers of Palmentu. The oldest of the towers dates back more than a thousand years. Two of them are still partially visible and have been converted into housing.

Built by Capuchin monks in 1606, it was abandoned during the Revolution.

Saint Nicholas church is of Baroque style. It was built towards the end of the 18th century, probably in replacement of a Romanesque chapel from the 16th century.

Santa Reparata straddles the hills of Santa Suzanna and the Mont Sant'Angelu. Take your pick, between the blue-green blend of the Palazzi Valley and L'Ile-Rousse Bay, or the wooded countryside of the green Reginu Valley.

Come explore this picturesque village on Corsica. Muro remains unspoilt, "close to everything yet set back a little". Sheltered amid lush green surroundings, Muro is a garden that clings to the mountainside below the Avazeri peak.

Perched high in the foothills of the Montegrosso massif, cradled by the surrounding high peaks, Feliceto is a proud mountain village nestling in a little corner of the Reginu valley.

On Balagne's arts & crafts route, take the road to Nessa. This small village may not be the biggest tourist attraction, but it bathes in a lovely warm and friendly atmosphere.

Explore one of the oldest villages in Balagne, and the hamlets that stretch majestically across the hills of Mont de Guido, Borgu and Pietralta, just below Mont Sant'Angelo.
Travel to the heart of Moorish architecture by visiting Corbara, where a certain native Davia became Empress of Morocco. Walk along its beautiful houses, stroll through its streets and alleys, pass under its vaulted passages to discover the typicality of a Balinese village.

Rich heritage and history
You can visit the many religious buildings such as the chapel of Notre-Dame des Sept Douleurs, the church of the Nativity of the Virgin (known as Notre-Dame de Lazio), or the many other chapels or oratories, not forgetting the convent of Saint-Dominique.

Don't miss the obligatory visit to the parish church of A Nunziata to discover the Treasure Museum with its collection of liturgical ornaments in the sacristy. If you don't want to miss anything about the heritage and the famous people of the old village of Corbara, let yourself be tempted by the audio guide available at the entrance.
On the way to the village square, stop at the fountain of the Sbollaru. Under a beautiful vault, this spring, known for its capricious flow, flows in a beautiful granite basin. Try the experience and quench your thirst here to see if, as the saying goes, he who drinks his water will eventually calm down.
Climb to the top of the village to the house of Monsieur Guy Savelli. Here, portraits, maps, period posters, handwritten letters, old musical instruments, welcome you to the heart of a house museum.

A village of flaxen houses with sky-blue shutters awaits you. This is Pigna, a delightful village which has re-emerged like a phoenix from the ashes. A blend of stone, clay and tuff has returned this place to its former splendour.

The village of Feliceto takes its name from the happiness of water. In fact, the village has many natural springs. With its rivers and waterfalls, Feliceto offers two Genoese bridges that allow the discovery of its heritage and pleasant moments of bathing depending on the season.

MuseuMusica is a center for research into the formation and dissemination of musical culture, past and present.
It is a place where you can discover a collection of instrumentarium from Corsica and elsewhere, as well as an audiovisual space.
It would undoubtedly be necessary to go back to prehistoric times
to trace the origins of some of the most typical forms
musical traditions.
Indeed, the men of these early gestures were already elaborating sounds and music, using natural materials and shells, and later making and using the first real instruments; those generally known as the oldest are, everywhere, drums, flutes of reed, horn or bone, the first Jew's harps,
horn or bone flutes, and the first Jew's harps.
Corsica is rich in vestiges attributed to these peoples
stones: dolmens and menhirs (Stantari, also known as Palatini)
also known as Palatini) were the inspiration for cults that the Church
banned in Corsica in the 5th century. The many invasions that have followed one another throughout the island's history have left their mark on sound.
Instruments have evolved and been transformed, and their use has always been closely linked to that of sung poetry. Perfectly suited to the accompaniment of traditional song, they almost fell victim to the fashions and, sometimes, the repression of successive occupiers.
of successive occupiers.
Wind instruments (pivana, pirula, cialamella)
disappeared from the Corsican soundscape practically
early 20th century.
The cetera, a diatonic instrument, gradually gave way to the chromatic guitar and its repertoire. A period of oblivion followed, until the cultural revival of the 1970s.
Since then, and increasingly so today, these instruments
the esteem and place they deserve.
They even inspire new creations. We find them
alongside more modern instruments and electronic
and other electronic generators.

Oci, when light meets stone...
The abandoned village of Occi nestles on a plateau above Lumio, in Balagne. From an elevation of 377 metres, it offers a stunning panoramic view... So grab your shoes and get ready, get set, go!
The first mention of the village dates back to 1589 but the date of its foundation is estimated to be the 14th or 15th century.
The Saracen attacks of the Middle Ages, which devastated the coast of Corsica, were the reason why the inhabitants of Spano took refuge and settled there little by little. However, a few centuries later, the village was finally abandoned in favor of Lumio.

Totally deserted in the 19th century, it fell into ruins. Its very last inhabitant, Felix Giudicelli, died there in 1918.

Perched at an elevation of 355 metres, the 18th-century Baroque church of this Medieval village is dedicated to Saint Vitus.
In the Middle Ages, the village had a territory of 4 km² before the merger with Montemaggiore and Cassano, to form the only municipality of Montegrosso.

It is dominated by the Capu di Bestiaet located halfway between the slope and the mountainside.

Its old houses often have beautiful carved doors.
300 m. to the east, on the heights, rose the fort of Pilone and the old medieval village abandoned in the 17th century.

Around 1467, Ambrosgino de Lunghignanu received from the Duke of Milan, then sovereign of Corsica, the title of ducal governor but the tyranny of many "corporali" and a situation of disorder forced him to go into exile in Italy.

At a place called Lurgugliu, you can see a flat stone of 1 m. circumference that oral tradition says to be a supplicative or sacrificial stone.

Sights...

Saint Vitus parish church: the Baroque church of the village of Lunghignano was built during the 18th century from schist, rubble stone and filler. Bell tower in the apse.

A Ghjesgia San Raineru: This Romanesque church is located above the village, at an elevation of 415 metres, 1 km to the north west. It is a multicoloured pink-granite structure dating from the 11th century. San Raineru was protected here by a decree dated 15 May 1930. It was classified as a Historical Monument in 1992.

Wash house

Fountain under arcading

Arts & crafts: "U Fragnu" oil mill

The star-shaped main square links all the little streets and the architectural decor makes it very popular among film-makers.
The peculiarity of Cassano, comes from the architecture of its star-shaped square which loosens all the alleys of the village ... a real playground for children.

Around this very special place, you can admire large, imposing and old buildings with porches.

Before its merger in 1972 with Montemaiò and Lunghignanu, Cassano was a municipality in its own right with a territory of 3 km².

The village is today one of the 3 hamlets of the municipality of Montegrosso.

Sights...

Saint-Alban Church: located 300 metres below the village, this converted building is home to a statue of Saint Alban who is venerated every year on 22 June.

Parish church of Santa Maria Annunziata: dating from the 17th century and recently restored. Features a multi-level bell tower.

Saint Antoine friary dating from 1651 according to the lintel above the door. It adjoins the parish church.

Star-shaped village square

An asset to oil-farming tradition and an exceptional panoramic viewpoint... visitors will be captivated by the landscape of the gulf of Calvi.
The ruins of the old village of Montemaggiore are still visible on the site of A cima, offering an exceptional view of the Gulf of Calvi.

Grouped around A Cima, its oldest district, Montemaggiore welcomed part of the coastal population fleeing insecurity after the ruin of the diocese of Calvi.

The village contains beautiful alleys adorned with old houses with carved doors.
In his work "Souls in Purgatory", Mérimée evokes a "Don Juan" born in Seville in 1627, son of Donna Gelormina Anfriani born in Montemaiò and Tomaso Magnara born in Calvi. He seduces his half-sister, fled to Andalusia where, seized with remorse, he would have become a monk.

For many years and in honor of the balanine olive tradition, the "A Fiera di l'Alivu" (olive tree fair) takes place every July.

Sights:

Saint Rainier church: A multicoloured building located between Montemaggiore and Lunghignano (Cf. sights of Lunghignano village)

Saint Augustin parish church: A Baroque church dating from the late 16th century, with a classified organ balcony and a bell tower. St Augustin is carried in procession by the friars on 28 August.

Don Juan Passage

Events: an olive-tree festival, "A Fiera di l'Alivu" (mid July)

Land of generous crops and fertile flavours... The "belvedere village" was once renowned for the abundance and quality of its springs. It owes its name to the fact that it was built around a wash house which can still be seen today.
Shortly after the year 1000 and following a quarrel with his older brother Pinasco, Malafede Savelli takes his independence to declare himself Lord of Bracaghju, a stronghold of 7 km² with its castle, of which there remains, unfortunately, little trace.

Only the bases of the castle, perched at an altitude of 556 meters, are still visible.
The keep, protected by an enclosure and round turrets, will encourage the formation of small hamlets like Bracaghju or Castiglioni from the 11th century.
The hamlet of Mutali which is also called "the village of the Moor" has a chapel dedicated to Saint-Salvatore.

In the middle of the 19th century, the town, populated by 400 inhabitants, lived mainly on livestock; his herd numbered more than 700 heads, including 475 sheep. Agriculture was also important there with more than 5 km of cereals, 14 ha of vines, 59 ha of planted olive trees, 3 ha of chestnut trees, 3 ha of mulberry trees, some citrus fruits and gardens ...

Lavatoggio and its hamlet of Croce are today resolutely turned towards the plain of Aregno, which they dominate, whereas originally, the first constructions were developed on Mount Bracaghju, monitoring the plain of Figarella and overlooking the fertile plateau of Stella.

Sights...

The wash house: located below the church, this small granite structure with a roof of flagstone shingles was added to the list of historical monuments in 1987. It dates from the Second French Empire.

San Cervone chapel: added to the historical monuments list in 1987, this Romanesque building in the cemetery originally stood in a medieval village which has since disappeared. It was dedicated to Cervonius, a bishop from Populonia in Tuscany, whose statue is carried in procession during annual celebrations on 10 October.

Chapel of Notre Dame de la Stella: located at the foot of Mont Bracaghju where the paths to Occi, Lumiu and Lavatoghju meet.

A blend of crop terraces and arched passages... Ancient granite houses dotted along little cobbled streets that lead to a piazzetta, a small village square overlooking the sea.
In the 19th century, the 500 inhabitants (today there are only about a hundred) lived on livestock, crafts and agriculture (cereals, wine and olive oil).
The combination of terraced crops, cobbled streets with arcades and vaulted passages over an area of ??318 hectares.

The area is very old since there are traces of an occupation dating back more than 500 years. Over the centuries, men have erected there medieval towers, chapels, baroque church adorned with magnificent frescoes and constructions linked to intense agricultural activity.

As in all of Balagne, the territory of the town is mainly planted with olive trees. Many were destroyed in 2005 by a large fire that started in Calenzana and devastated nearly 1,500 hectares.

Archaeological excavations carried out on the sites of Carcu and Modria attest that the site was already occupied nearly 2,300 years ago (housing structures, pottery, millstones, etc.).
Among Cateri's wonders is an olive tree, probably the oldest in Corsica, which is almost 2,000 years old.

Sights:

Parish church of Santa Maria Assunta: a classified, 17th-century Baroque building featuring a double pediment. Home to two 17th-century paintings listed as historical monuments since 2004.

Sainte Marcelle friary: neighbouring the church, this building also dates from the late 17th century.

Marcassu convent: located below the Lavatoggio road, it was built in 1608 on the ruins of the 10th-century Marcassu castle. It is occupied by Benedictine monks and also offers sanctuary to travellers.

Romanesque chapel of San Cesario: built in the 12th century on a hillock of the mountain ridge between the Regino valley and the Aregno plain.

Thriving soils and olive fragrances... Witnesses of a fertile land where oil farmers and herdsmen perpetuate the delightful tastes and traditions of Balagne.
Occupying a fertile territory of 330 ha, formerly called "acqua spessa" and known for its important agricultural activity, the municipality of about 80 souls extends from the plain of Reginu to the heights of Capu di Bestia, culminating at 804 meters. altitude.

Around 1850, the town had 300 inhabitants, the smallest plots being planted with cereals, vines, orchards, mulberry trees and chestnut trees, each family having its own garden and especially more than 50 hectares of olive trees, mostly dating from the 18th century.

Breeding, mainly sheep, held an important place.
If agriculture has declined as it has everywhere, olive growing has held up well (even today the village is renowned for the quality of its olive oil) and shepherds still have some 700 sheep and 150 cattle.

Identity mark of the village, the bell tower of the baroque Sainte-Marie church dominates the roof of particularly neat houses. The other chapel and the defensive tower have disappeared to cede their stones to the construction of houses and the wine press.

Sights...

Church of Saint Mary: Built in 1618 with some of the stone from the ancient church of Santa Maria Assunta, which has since disappeared. The rest of the stone was used to build a wine press. This Baroque church features a square multi-level bell tower and is home to the San Carlu friary.

Saint Michael's Chapel

Oil mill

Fruit gardens

Crop terraces and watersports... a citadel, a beach of extreme beauty, a castle and an old fishing port that now harbours recreational vessels. An unspoilt environment to delight amblers.
Because of its 75.5 ha the village was considered, before 1852, as the smallest municipality in Corsica, but, enlarged, (173 ha today), it lost this "title".

Particularly dynamic in the 18th century, this port was in the time of the Genoese the residence of the lieutenant in charge of Balagne. It has evolved and become a pioneer resort in terms of tourism.

Built on the site of an ancient Phoenician city, it was taken and sacked by the Ottomans in 1643. Genoa had it fortified in 1664. Its castle was the residence of the Governor of Balagne for Genoa until 1764. To the west , the small port of San Damiano was once a Roman port sheltered from frequent and strong gales from north to west. It will be abandoned after their departure in the 6th century until the 12th century, when a defense tower was built. Consequently, commercial and fishing activities resume. In 1620 the port became the second port of the island! Today Algajola has a small fishing port without fishermen all year round.


Its beach, well known to surfers, invites you to enjoy surfing.

Sights...
The Algajola monolith: From the main road, you can still see this remarkable monolithic porphyry column, weighing over 270 tonnes, which was abandoned in 1837. It was intended as a base for a monumental statue of Napoleon the First that was never erected. The base of the Vendôme column in Paris is made from porphyry from Algajola.

"U Castellu", the fortified castle of Algajola: It was built in the 16th century, on the ruins of the tower of the noble Lomellini family of Genoa and was the residence of the governor of Balagne for Genoa until 1764. Now a private property, it has been a listed Historical Monument since 1992.

The Citadel: For a long time, Algajola was a Genoan outpost before Calvi. Nowadays, the small fortress is kept in a good state of repair and its prominent watch tower bestows it with a beautiful silhouette.

A masterpiece of Romanesque Art and the flavour of almonds... This village takes delight in perpetuating ancient customs. It still organises traditional processions followed by festivities around an open-air meal.
The village and its two hamlets, Torre and Praoli, located on the hillside, overlook an agricultural plain that extends to the sea.
Arboriculture has been one of the riches of the town: olive trees but also citrus and almond trees have long shaped this landscape, unfortunately damaged by fires.

Aregno was known for the quality of its oranges, considered to be the best in Corsica; they were even exported to the continent.
The first Aregno orange trees were imported from Portugal in the 17th century. One variety of orange is called "AREGNO citrus sinensis osbeck".
In January, the blessing of the oranges takes place, and the procession of Saint Anthony the Abbot, whose statue they adorn.

The village is also known for its almonds ... At the end of the 19th century, almond cultivation covered 3000 ha of the island.
By the middle of the last century, it only represented a hundred hectares.
It was in 1997 that the rural center decided to give the almond tree its nobility through its cultivation and the organization of a rural fair on the first weekend of August.
Almond and its derived products from ancient local food traditions are celebrated there.

Sights...

Trinity Church: a real gem of Romanesque art, built from multicoloured granite. Listed as a Historical Monument since 1883, it was the seat of the Aregno parish in the diocese of Aleria in 1177. The interior wall paintings dating from 1449 and 1458, "The Four Doctors of the Church" and "Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon", are also classified works.

Saint-Antoine Abbé parish church: located in the heart of the village, this Baroque church features a tall ochre-coloured bell tower with 3 arched levels. The front facade of pink striped with white is flanked by sculpted side doors. The date 1818 is engraved on a cornerstone. The church houses some works belonging to the municipality which are listed Historical Monuments, including canvas paintings, "The Death of Saint Francis-Xavier" and "The Virgin and Rosary with Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Sienna", some wooden furniture (prayer pulpit from 1714 and 18th-century friary stalls with four seats in stained, waxed wood) in the Saint-Antoine chapel.

Vestiges of San Quilicu Chapel, a Romanesque building dating from the 10th century.

Events: an almond festival, "a fiera di l'Amandulu" (first weekend of August)

Perched high on a hill and surrounded by the riches of Balagne, this village, one of the oldest in Corsica, must be the finest example of Corsican medieval architecture. Sant'Antonino is officially rated among the most beautiful villages in France.
Built in the 9th century and located at 500 m. altitude and thanks to its eagle-nest construction, it overlooks and observes the whole of Balagne in 360 °.

You just have to walk through its narrow and stony streets, its network of galleries and vaulted passages, all forming a downward spiral from the top of the rocky outcrop on which it was built, to appreciate the preservation of this jewel.

Its medieval architecture and its narrow streets paved with very old stones have contributed to its classification among the most beautiful villages in France.

Overlooking the sea, this "fortress" in the shape of an eagle's nest was built in the 9th century; it dominates the whole of Balagne and observes it at 360 °.

It is made up of around 75 residences, welded to each other, and which wrap around a granite peak forming an embryo of a labyrinth to better resist the possible invader.

Due to its position, it is said to be visible from all sides in Balagne. Founded by Ugo Colonna in the 9th century, its establishment at the top of the hill made it possible to take refuge and defend itself there during the Moorish invasions.

Sights...

The 17th-century A Nunziata parish church and multi-level bell tower.

Chapel of the Saint Antoine Friary, built between 1760 and 1770.

Ancient bread furnace.

Vestiges of the old Castellu fortifications.

Notre Dame des Bergers chapel.

An experimental botanical garden but also a fruit variety collection of a diversity that makes it unique in France, as do the entirely natural growing methods, free from chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Well worth a visit for advice from the head gardener.
Discovering the Avapessa Botanical Fruit Garden means entering a remarkable collection of more than 40 kinds of edible fruits with many rare varieties from all over the world.

This collection is the result of many years of passionate research. The climate of Balagne and that of Avapessa, allows these fruit trees to flourish naturally.

Born of gluttony, passion and research have taken over for the management of this garden. It pays homage to the ancients and traditional culture while respecting nature and its biodiversity. The acclimatizations of this garden are also intended to anticipate the harmful effects of the ongoing climate change.

The Avapessa Botanical Fruit Garden offers guided tours, courses on fruit preservation methods as well as training on this method of cultivation.

A Ghjesgia di a Trinità di San Giovani... This building dating from around 1100 is an absolute gem of Romanesque Art.
The granite blocks constituting its facade are of 3 different colors, 3 being the number of the perfection of the Trinity: beige symbolizes the Father, green, the Son, and red the Holy Spirit.

Above the door, an arch has 7 dark keystones and 8 light keystones: the 7 invites man to turn to God and the 8 symbolizes his resurrection.
Inside are 2 15th century frescoes.

The Church had the status of a Piévane Church. It served as a burial place for the inhabitants of Aregnu and Sant'Antuninu until the beginning of the 19th century in a communal burial place called "arca". His religious vocation was coupled with a role
social until the beginning of the 16th century.

It also served as a court of first instance. The name of the village, Aregno, would be a deformation by palatization of aringo.

There is evidence that this church existed in the 17th century under the name of Santa Croce.
In 1730 she was named Sant'Antonio Abbato. The organ gallery dates from 1888. The preaching pulpit, dated 1714, is in waxed wood; it was listed in 1995. Inside, several chapels and their altars were founded by the community or families whose coat of arms can be found.

The San Quilicu Chapel is the former Chapel of Souls in Purgatory. It was redecorated in 1810 after the upper window was obstructed during the erection of the campanile.

The baptistery chapel houses an 18th century canvas, a reproduction of a work by Carlo Maretta preserved in Rome, representing the martyrdom of St Francis Xavier. This painting, the author of which is unknown, was filed in 1995.

This chapel was founded around the 10th century and left to abandon in the 13th century. It was dedicated to San Quilicu, who is honoured and carried in procession in mid July.
The building is built in two-tone polychrome granite (beige granitoïde and black syeno-diorite) without plaster, in the Romanesque tradition. It is located on the first built site of the village, traces of which remain in the surrounding land. It is now in ruins.

The church was built in 1618 with some of the stone from the old church of Santa Maria Assunta, which has since disappeared.
The other part of its stones from the old church of Santa Maria Assunta were used to build a wine press. With a square, multi-storey bell tower, this Baroque church is also home to the San Carlu brotherhood.

Notre Dame des Anges is a Baroque church dating from the 17th century. It features a double pediment and its layout is in the form of a Greek cross.
Its high baroque facade known as the “harmonic facade” has a dome illuminating the nave and an apsidal bell tower with arcades unique in Corsica.

It contains two paintings from the XVIIth century "The Virgin and Child with Saint Lucia and a Bishop" and "The Assumption of the Virgin with Saint Servant, Saint Quilicus, Saint Catherine and two other martyrs", both classified in 2004.

San Cesariu chapel was built in the 12th century on a hillock on the mountain crest between the Reginu valley and the Aregno plain.
This Romanesque chapel was modified in the 17th century, the frame was replaced by a vault which required the installation of buttresses capable of withstanding the thrust. This small Romanesque chapel is not classified.

Located in the cemetery of the lost Medieval village of San Cervone, this Romanesque chapel features a semi-circular apse. The west door bears the inscription 1203, the date when it was restored.
It is dedicated to Cervonius, bishop of Populonia in Tuscany, who is celebrated on October 10 by carrying his statue in procession.

The municipal wash house of Lavatoggio has been a listed Historical Monument since 1987. This small granite construction has a roof of flagstone shingles. It dates from the Second French Empire. The village is thought to be named after the many springs and wash houses to be found here. (Lavatoggio = wash house).

The 11th-century church is thought to have been built on the site of a Paleochristian chapel which in turn had been built on the site of an ancient pagan temple.
Rebuilt in the 18th century, it was capped with a penetrating vault; its apse has 2 granite gargoyles embedded in the wall.

San Rinieru Chapel can be found at 420 metres above sea level, between Montemaggiore and Lunghignano. Its cemetery dates back more than a thousand years.
In a Pisan Romanesque style and built around 1185, replacing an even older sanctuary, it is under the protection of Rainier, a holy Pisan hermit who died in 1160.

It was inaugurated by the Archbishop of Pisa and five Bishops of Corsica.
A polychrome building, it has a cross opening at the top of its facade surrounded by two human faces.

Formerly, on June 17, an important fair was held here, frequented by Pisan merchants and the Bishop of Sagone on whom this sector depended.

The parish church, A Nunziata, was built in the early 17th century. It features an elegant multi-level bell tower.
The parish church A Nunziata contains old paintings and an organ dating from 1744 signed "Battista Pompost di Pistoia".

Its bell tower is made up of two floors. The bell was recast and baptized on April 4, 1982 Madre Di Le Gratiae "mother of all graces" by Father Pol de Léon of the convent of Marcasso.

The parish church adjoins the Chapel of the Confrérie Saint Antoine, a building built between 1760 and 1770. It is decorated with a niche in which is a statue of the Immaculate Conception Virgin.

It has a high altar from 1776 with plasterwork and visibly Baroque decor.

According to maps dating from 1643, the Concerca fountain was also known as "Funtana con archi" because it was fed by an aqueduct.
This fountain, located in front of the entrance gate to the Algajola fortress, is made up of two distinct parts, because they are not contemporary.

The oldest, a sort of large vaulted room (probably from 1777), surrounds a more recent neoclassical pediment facade, dated 1856.

A stone basin collects the water, deemed to be good, which the people of the village still come to draw.

Drinking water fountains: to reduce our consumption of plastic bottles, the Calvi Balagne Community of Communes has listed the drinking water fountains on its territory.

The Baroque church of Saint Georges d'Algajola has an elongated design with a narrow choir, a raised floor and a low ceiling. In summer it is a popular concert venue.
In the center of the pediment, you can admire an altarpiece representing St George slaying the demon, then, in the 3rd bay, a magnificent painting of a Descent from the Cross.

The altar dedicated to St. George offers very beautiful straight columns cushioned by angels. The high altar, meanwhile, is white marble with red battens.

Saint Laurent parish church is of Baroque style and stands above the municipal wash house. It houses a chapel, Saint Ursula, the top of which bears the coat of arms of the lords Sabellis.
Guido de Sabellis was one of the 4 Roman princes that Pope Stephen IV sent at the beginning of the 9th century at the head of an expeditionary force to liberate the kingdom of Corsica then under the yoke of the Saracens. Winner, the province of Balagne had been offered to him as a reward.

The chapel of the brotherhood, A Casazza, adjoins the Church of Saint-Laurent. It could have been the previous church of Lavatoggio as some details discovered during recent restoration work would indicate. The brotherhood is patronized by Saint Anthony the Abbot.

The Church of San Vitu (Saint Vitus) was built between 1801 and 1812. The bell tower is thought to have been added in 1895. The octagonal dome above the transept acts as a roof lantern. The internal decoration, however, was never finished and has been partly vandalised.

Built in 1651, according to the inscription on the lintel above the entrance, the church of Saint Alban de Cassano is a modest structure with a single nave.
You can admire a cornice decorated with ovals and supported by pilasters. These delimit chapels decorated with altarpieces.

However, what catches our attention the most is the triptych on a gold background representing the Virgin and Child which bears the signature of Simone de Calvi in ??1505, thus attesting the existence of a Corsican regional painting workshop in the 15th and 16th centuries.

The convent's first stone was laid on 5 September 1623, on land generously donated by Cateri's three inhabitants. An official ceremony was held to mark the occasion. The building overlooks the entire Aregno plain.
Its location had been chosen two years earlier, on May 6, 1621, and materialized by a cross placed on the ruins of a former commandery.
In all, it took two centuries and constant work to complete this imposing building of over 1500 m².

It consists of around 40 rooms, a cloister and a church; the latter was at that time the parish church of Cateri.

In 1642, the population of the convent was very important and many cultures were developed in its dependencies; consequently, the water requirements have, in fact, increased.
This is the reason why the neighboring municipality, Lavatoggio, was asked to donate water.

The municipality donated water from the "Capu di Guestia è Monacu Mortu" to the convent. 9 years later, another donation of water from Quarciolu and Parnicale was made; however, this water was only available from mid July to the end of October.

In 1789, the convent of Marcassu was declared National Property and sold at auction to Joseph Salvini de Nessa after the expulsion of the Franciscan friars who occupied it.

In 1806, Joseph Salvini sold the 2 large bells (bought by the factory of Sant Antonio) and the organs. He also ceded the polychrome marble high altar which now adorns the Church of Cateri.

It is only accessible on foot by a small path and is the subject of a pilgrimage every year on September 8 to celebrate the Nativity of the Virgin Mary; due to its geographical location, this is the only date it is open to the public.

It contains a very beautiful canvas that the shepherds of Niolu, who transhumed there, would have entrusted to the hermits residing in the chapel in the 17th century.

It has also undergone several restorations.

The Isula di i Sogni educational farm will be happy to welcome you within its 3 hectare park with sea view and sunset.
An ideal place to discover the animal world for young and old!
Located in the Aregno plain and close to Algajola beach, the educational farm can be reached by car or a 15-minute walk from the Algajola micheline stop.

The proposed activities:

- The discovery of farm animals: pigs, horses, rabbits, llamas….
- The 34 enclosures: each has a small explanatory panel of the species; the child will be able to stroke the animals and also enter directly into several enclosures.
- The sensory journey: garden of scents, garden of music ...
- Play and rest areas: agility course, trampoline, swings, bowling green, picnic tables available.

The Corbara Monolith is an impressive granite column, 17 m long and 3 m in diameter, carved in 1839 to support a statue of Napoleon I. It has been abandoned for logistical reasons. Abandoned for logistical reasons, it weighs 272 tons and bears witness to local history.
A few kilometers from Algajola, off the RT30 and in the commune of Corbara, lies a little-known but impressive monument: the Corbara Monolith.
This granite block, 17.36 metres long and 2.74 metres in diameter, weighing almost 272 tonnes, is an imposing testimony to imperial ambition in the 19th century. Conceived in 1839 to serve as the base for a monumental statue of Napoleon destined for Ajaccio, the monolith never left the site where it was carved.

The quarry where this stone giant was born is located in an area where granite is characterized by its large, slightly faulted domes. Algajola granite is remarkable for its large honey-yellow crystals, micas with varied greenish inclusions, and its envelope of feldspars and quartz. Quarrymen cut this monolith directly on site, but the technical and financial difficulties of transporting it condemned this ambitious project to abandonment.

Today, the monolith rests peacefully in a private field, close to the ruins of the former quarrymen's cottages.

Located on the road from Ile-Rousse towards the village of Corbara, this Romanesque chapel was built in 1098 on the ruins of a Phoenician temple dedicated to the god Baal.
The chapel was remodeled in the first half of the 18th century and restored in the 20th century.
This elongated edifice comprises a single nave and a choir covered with an exposed wooden frame and featuring religious symbols.

Two celebrations take place here: the first, on Easter Monday, with a procession and the blessing of eggs.
The second takes place on September 16, the feast day of Saint-Cyprien and Saint-Corneille, at which mass is held to enthrone the Prior and new members of the Confrérie de pénit.