Santa-Maria-Siché: Churches, Chapels and Local History

Santa-Maria-Siché consists of several hamlets situated at an altitude of around 500 metres. The area’s history is reflected in a biographical connection, religious buildings and historic houses. Hiking and music are also part of the picture, with the Sentier A Santamariaccia and a classical music and polyphony festival scheduled for August.

Local History and Religious Buildings

Santa-Maria-Siché is the birthplace of Vannina d’Ornano. Her birthplace can still be seen, adding a specific biographical connection to the area’s history alongside its churches.

The Chapelle Sainte-Lucie is a Romanesque chapel dating from the 10th century; it was formerly known as Santa Maria Assunta de Sicché. It was also the former parish church of the Assumption, which was replaced by the present-day parish church of the Assumption. The replacement building was constructed in the last quarter of the 19th century. This makes it possible to distinguish the older chapel from the later parish church in terms of their respective roles. The present-day parish church has a nave and two aisles with groin vaults. The nave forms the central longitudinal space, flanked by the aisles. Groin vaults are formed by intersecting vaults. These terms help distinguish the layout of the church interior from the shape of its ceilings.

The Chapelle Sainte-Réparate is in the hamlet of Siché. Some documents also refer to it as Santa Reparata or Santa Liberata. Its date is uncertain: it may have been built in the first half of the 19th century. The single-nave hall and slightly recessed choir are covered by a barrel vault with lunettes. Lunettes are vault forms that cut into a barrel vault. The bell tower has an open, round-arched sound opening. Unlike the parish church, which has a nave and two aisles, Sainte-Réparate has a single nave.

Historic Houses and Getting Around

The Palazzu Sampieru dates from the mid-16th century. The Palazzu de Sampiero Corso is distinct from the Palazzu Sampieru: it is a fortified house from the 16th century with a single-leaf drawbridge that operates a footbridge. Alongside the churches, historic houses with specific architectural features are also a focus.

The Palazzu de Sampiero Corso is in a hamlet near the town centre. It can be reached in a few steps from the D2 or D2B. As access arrangements may change, check current access before visiting.

Hiking Trail and August Event

The Sentier A Santamariaccia connects Campo, Quasquara, Bocca di Foce and Bocca di Sant’ Antone. For hikers, this route offers a different focus from the individual churches, chapels and houses: several named places are linked along a trail.

A classical music and polyphony festival is scheduled to take place in Santa-Maria-Siché in August.

Discover more destinations: Pinarellu, Eccica-Suarella, Marignana, Conca, Viggianello, San-Gavino-Di-Carbini, Sartène, Balogna

Go to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.