Fozzano: Cultural History and Mare a Mare Sud

Fozzano offers two distinct starting points for planning a trip: a cultural history theme centered on the Tour Carabelli and the Mare a Mare Sud hiking trail, which passes through the village. Added to these are views over the Baracci Valley and the Gulf of Valinco. This lets you focus your stay more on architectural and literary history, or on the hiking route and its landscapes.

Tour Carabelli and the story of “Colomba”

The Tour Carabelli, also known as “Torra Vecchia,” is the Carabelli family’s tower house in Fozzano. It was built in the 15th century; the main structure is made of granite and rubble masonry. Two dates stand out in the tower’s history: its construction in the 15th century and its designation as a protected site under a decree dated July 3, 1952. Since then, it has been protected as a historic monument.

“Colomba” adds a second layer of history. The vendetta between the Carabelli and Durazzo families lasted from 1820 to 1860 and inspired Prosper Mérimée’s famous novella “Colomba.” The history of the tower house’s construction thus sits alongside a literary connection from the 19th century. The two themes lead to different historical contexts: one concerns the construction of a house, the other a conflict that inspired Mérimée’s novella.

Church, crafts, and planning your visit

The Church of the Annunciation also has its own historical connection: it contains a 17th-century chapel. The chapel belongs to a different building from the Tour Carabelli, offering another distinct starting point for exploring the village’s cultural history. The Maison de Colomba is currently closed to the public. If you are planning to visit, check before your trip to see whether access has changed.

At Legnu Nustrale, the manufacturing process is demonstrated to visitors. Items are made there from local wood, including heather, olive, and juniper. The different types of wood offer a concrete insight into the materials used in the craft. If you plan to attend a demonstration, check the visiting arrangements before your trip.

Views and the Mare a Mare Sud

Fozzano offers open views over the Baracci Valley and the Gulf of Valinco, and the village overlooks the landscape as far as Campomoro. The Mare a Mare Sud offers views between the sea and the mountains. Alongside the views from the village, the landscapes along the hiking trail provide another perspective on the surrounding area.

The Mare a Mare Sud passes through Fozzano. The section managed by the PNRC runs from Fozzano to the Arbellara junction. Near the village, the longer route is described as a 73-kilometer hiking trail with five stages between Porto-Vecchio and Propriano. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the locally named section from the full route: the 73 kilometers and five stages refer to the long-distance trail, while the managed section specifically runs as far as the Arbellara junction. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Serra-Di-Ferro, Santa-Maria-Figaniella, Ota, Campo, Sari-Solenzara, Figari, Aullène, Tiuccia.

For the broader travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.