Chiatra: Heritage, Panoramas and Walking Trails

Chiatra brings together historic buildings and landscapes, along with several named trails. You can decide which theme will shape your stay by considering these topics and the schedule that suits you.

Waterways and panoramas

The village of Chiatra lies on a ridge that separates the Alesani to the north from its southern tributary, the Picchio. In Corsican, the two rivers are called Alisgiani and Picchju. The right bank of the Alesani valley belongs to Chiatra; this stretch of the valley is wild. Its valley floor is flooded by the reservoir of the Alesani dam, which lies on the northern boundary of the municipality. In the old part of the village, there is a panoramic view over the Alesani Lake dam. Another panorama in Chiatra extends over Mont Oppido and the plain to the sea. These offer two distinct landscape views: the reservoir and the vista over Mont Oppido, the plain and the sea.

Churches, towers and local history

The historic buildings differ in period, form and surviving details. Only three arches remain today of the former church of San Nicolao, built in the 10th century. There are also three Genoese towers dating from the early 16th century. Another historic landmark is Mont Oppido, where the Romans built an oppidum at this strategic point.

The parish church of the Annunciation is designed in the Italian Baroque style and has six chapels, as well as an altar, façade and bell tower. At the center of the altar is a carved wooden tabernacle; the church also features a 17th-century marble sculpture of the praying Virgin. Another Baroque landmark is the Chapel of Saint Pancrace, built in 1835 and located in the village square. The different forms and states of preservation are therefore key points of reference: the arches of the former church, the fittings of the parish church and the chapel in the square.

Fountains, trails and planning your time

The Circuit des sources et des fontaines trail passes six fountains—Piazza Cummuna, Calina, fontana Vecchia, Santa Croce, Vitti and U salge—and then returns to the village square. In the modern part of the village, there are various fountains where you can find refreshment. The fountains are thus both the focus of a named circular trail and part of the visitor amenities in the modern part of the village.

The Sentier de Chiatra is an easy, 3 km circular trail that starts and ends in Chiatra. For hikes with a defined duration, two different options are available: De Chiatra à Canale takes 1 hour 45 minutes round trip; Le lac (barrage d’Alesani) takes 3 to 3.5 hours and returns to the starting point. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.

A riding lesson is also an option at Ferme Auberge MARCHI in the hamlet of Nivolaccio; confirm the local arrangements before your arrival.

Discover more destinations: Pigna, Borgo, Pino, Pianello, Muro, Venzolasca, Piana, Piedicroce.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Corse.