Santa-Maria-Di-Lota: Hiking, Coast and Cultural Heritage

Santa-Maria-Di-Lota can be explored through a range of interests: the hiking trail to the Chapelle Saint-Jean, churches and historic buildings, and the coast near Miomo. If you are looking for a hotel, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. If you mainly want to explore on foot, the trail, the views and the annual pilgrimage take centre stage. For coastal scenery and Genoese heritage, Miomo offers its own points of interest. The details below show which aspects of the destination suit your interests.

Hiking to the Chapelle Saint-Jean

The hiking trail to the Chapelle Saint-Jean starts and ends in Santa-Maria-Di-Lota. The ascent follows an old connecting path past fountains, washhouses and old buildings. The fountains and washhouses point to former places of water supply; the old buildings add to the picture of rural infrastructure along the ascent. The hike offers panoramic views of Mandriale, Anneto and Castagneto, as well as the islands of Capraia and Elba. The panorama thus includes three places and two islands—different viewpoints along the hike. Every May, the rustic Chapelle Saint-Jean welcomes residents of the Lota Valley for a pilgrimage. If this tradition is important to your trip, confirm the exact date before your visit.

Coast and Genoese heritage in Miomo

At the beach at the entrance to Miomo stands the Tour de Miomo, a Genoese tower dating from the 16th century. The tower overlooks the beach, where the Pughjolu stream flows into the sea. Since 14 February 1927, the Tour de Miomo has been listed as a historic monument in France. Its position by the beach and the stream’s mouth bring together a structure and a specific coastal feature. Plage de Miomo is a pebble beach on Cap Corse and is accessible to people with reduced mobility. If reduced mobility is a factor in your plans, check access conditions before your visit.

Villages, churches and local history

In the village of Figarella, the Church of Saint Antoine is the centre of the village layout: the village is built around it. The church is therefore not just a separate building, but part of the village structure.

The Chapelle de l’Annonciation is the starting and finishing point of the procession held every year on 25 March. The chapel also houses a 16th-century Annunciation triptych. A triptych is a three-panel artwork; this term helps explain the form of the work of art. The annual pilgrimage to the Chapelle Saint-Jean takes place in May, while the procession at the Chapelle de l’Annonciation is held on 25 March. Comparing the dates shows two different times of year for religious traditions in the municipality.

Sainte Marie is considered the oldest church in the municipality. Other architectural features include numerous «Maisons d’Américains» with carved doors and a Genoese humpback bridge dating from the 17th century. Together, these buildings offer different points of interest for anyone interested in churches, traditional architecture and historic bridges.

Discover more destinations: San-Giuliano, Poggio-Di-Venaco, San-Giovanni-Di-Moriani, Aghione, Avapessa, Santa-Maria-Poggio, Lavatoggio, Cervione

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Corse.