Palasca: Village History and the Agriate Coastal Path

Palasca can be viewed from two travel perspectives: as a medieval village with historic buildings, and as a municipality that includes the protected Agriate area. If you’re looking for hotels in Palasca, these highlights can help you plan your trip: are you more interested in village history and architecture, or would you also like to explore the coastal landscape and the path near Ostriconi?

Village history and protected buildings

The medieval village of Palasca dates back to the late 11th century. It was built during the time of the Marquises of Massa, who had settled in San Colombanu. To appreciate the architecture, it’s worth viewing the protected complex and its individual buildings together. These include the parish church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Annonciation (Santa-Maria-Assunta) and its bell tower, the adjoining covered passage, the former town hall, and the chapel of Sainte-Croix (Santa-Croce). Listing orders dated 6 April 2016 and 22 June 2017 protect the complex as a historic monument.

Two chapels add their own historical and artistic highlights. The Cappella di San Bastianu was built in 1670. It houses a painting by Luigi Brunetti depicting Saint Lucy and Saint Sebastian at the feet of Our Lady of Sorrows. The Cappella di l’Annunziata was built in March 1713; a statue of the Virgin Mary stands above its entrance. The chapels were built just over four decades apart. Specific artistic and architectural features include the painting at San Bastianu and the statue above the entrance to the Cappella di l’Annunziata.

Some houses also preserve traces of their former fortifications. Known as “e case torre,” these houses still have machicolations in some cases. The projecting defensive walkways with openings reveal the historic defensive character of some homes. In this way, the houses’ former fortifications add another aspect of village history to that of its religious buildings.

Agriate and Ostriconi: landscapes and paths

The protected Agriate area includes the municipality of Palasca. The Ostriconi area within the Agriate is itself designated as a protected area. The coastal path through the Agriate can be walked from Ostriconi. The marked route is described as having no particular difficulties; however, terrain and weather conditions can vary. So check the conditions for your walk before setting out.

Ostriconi beach lies at the mouth of the river of the same name, in a wild landscape far from any urban development. It is accessible only on foot via a path from the former main road. Check access conditions before travelling to the area, as they may change.

Discover more destinations: Avapessa, Lucciana, Poggio-Mezzana, Muro, Biguglia, Piana, Manso, Monticello

For the regional travel overview: Haute-Corse.