SAINT-COMES AND SAINT-DAMIEN CHURCH
FARINOLE
In the center of the village you'll find the 17th-century church of Saint-Côme and Saint-Damien. The patron saints are celebrated every year on September 26 with an impressive procession.
SAN GAVINO CHURCH
SAN-GAVINO-DI-TENDA
SAINT-PHILIPPE-DE-NERI CHURCH
SORIO
THE GARDEN AND CHURCH OF THE SAN FRANCESCU D'OLETTA CONVENT
OLETTA
The Saint-François convent is one of the most important Franciscan convents in Corsica. It played a major role during the paolist period. Today, it is a private property with a cultural vocation (exhibitions, seminars).
L'EGLISE NOIRE DE PIEVE
PIEVE
La chapelle noire dite "chjesa nera" dédiée à San Nicolao d’Asigliani était autrefois rattachée au village disparu d’Asigliani. Il s’agit d’une construction de type pisan dont la forme actuelle date du XIIIème siècle, mais elle serait construite sur une chapelle du Xème siècle et un sanctuaire primitif datant du VIème ou VIIème siècle ! L’église est construite en serpentine verte locale très foncée, ce qui lui a valu son nom d’ « église noire ». En 1839, alors qu’il était Inspecteur des Monuments Historiques, Prosper Mérimée attesta qu’elle était désaffectée depuis la fin de la Révolution française. L’archéologue Camille Enlart prit des photographies de la Chjesa Nera en 1920 qu’il est possible de trouver sur internet. Elles ont servi de base aux rénovations effectuées durant les décennies suivantes.
SANTA MARIA ASSUMPTA CATHEDRAL
SAINT-FLORENT
The ancient cathedral of the bishopric of Nebbiu was probably built on the ruins of a Paleo-Christian basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta probably dates from the first quarter of the 12th century. The first document mentioning the building dates back to 1144. Listed as a Monument Historique in 1840, it has undergone major restoration campaigns. The building combines the sobriety of its era with the richness of its ornamentation. During the summer season, the commune of Saint-Florent ensures that this prestigious edifice is always open to visitors. A perfect setting for sacred chants, you'll have the pleasure of listening to a variety of polyphonic concerts in the evening, introducing you to the many rich sounds of our culture. The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 7.30pm. Sunday: open from 2.00 pm to 7.30 pm. Admission: €1.50 - Free for children under 12.
ÉGLISE SAINT-JEAN L'EVANGELISTE
SANTO-PIETRO-DI-TENDA
SAINT-FLORENT CITADEL
SAINT-FLORENT
Built in 1439 by Janus Campofregoso, it was one of the first positions occupied by Genoa, making it one of the island's most important trading centers. The originality of the Citadel, a jewel of military architecture, is also recognized by the originality of its shape. From the time of its construction until the middle of the 20th century, the citadel was an enclosed space, surrounded by various walls and fortifications. The château de la citadelle is one of the most important elements of the citadel still visible today. In the 15th century, only the central tower, the most imposing, was built. In the following century, the half-moon and square towers were added. Various garrisons took turns inside the castle to protect the city. It was also used to store supplies. Among the surrounding buildings is the former artillery, built in the 16th century. At its center is the powder magazine, added around 1632. This was designed to limit damage in the event of an explosion of stored gunpowder. It was later converted into a prison. Most of the building was destroyed in 1943 when the German army detonated a mine. To the right of the Tourist Office, you'll find the remains of the cistern, used to store drinking water, the plans for which were drawn up in 1573. The monument's last known episode of war dates back to 1814, when local peasants occupied the citadel in protest against the French government. Listed as a historic monument since 1994, the Saint-Florent citadel is one of the highlights of our heritage. During the summer season, the Citadelle is transformed into a meeting place for concerts.
SAINT-VITUS CHURCH
RUTALI
THE SAN CESARIU CHAPEL
RAPALE
The Romanesque church of San Cesariu dates from the early 13th century. Its polychrome walls alternate serpentine (dark green schist) and grey-white limestone, making it the twin sister of Murato's Saint-Michel church. It is assumed that the sculptor who contributed to its construction was the same as for Pieve's Chjesa Nera. Described as a "curious church" by Prosper Mérimée when he visited in 1839, it was listed as a historic monument the following year. Abandoned in 1920, the roof collapsed, dragging down the walls. These were later rebuilt.
SAINT-ANDRE'S CHURCH
OLETTA
Olett's heritage also includes the parish church of Saint-André, listed as a Monument Historique. It contains a triptych painted on wood dating from 1534, a multimedia museum of sacred art and the Rivarola family mausoleum.
SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA CHURCH
RAPALE
The commune of Rapale overlooks the Nebbiu plain and stretches as far as the Agriate Desert. Here you'll find the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, a Pisan heritage, towering above the village. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, "Queen" of Corsica since 1736.