By Johanna the 14/06/2020

The Corsican Centre- Centru di Corsica

The heart of the island

The Corsica Centre is a very broad territory that goes from the region of Venacais to Cortenais passing through the Boziu and the Niolu. It includes two Communities of Communes: Corsica Centre and Pasquale Paoli which is the most important CC in Corsica.

This is a land full of history, with, in particular Corte, ancient historical capital of Corsica, its Citadel, its University and its Museum of Anthropology. The villages of Boziu cradle of Corsican singing known as “A Paghjella” and Alandu, the natal village of Sambucciu who led the first revolt against the lords in 1358. In the Boziu, the route des Chapelles will help you discover the little Roman chapels that are scattered about this beautiful wild region. Push open their doors, they hide precious frescoes whose vibrant colours will enchant you, especially the one at San Niculau in Sermanu. Meet in Santa Lucia de Mercuriu to discover the “A Memoria” Ecomuseum devoted to the region’s history.

The verdant mountains of Boziu will surprise you with their wild appearance, a scrubland that is often impenetrable. There are a great many small, isolated villages, perched on the heights, and connected only by narrow paths. Get as far as the Niolu, which can be reached by a sinuous route called the “A Scala di Santa Regina”, a land of traditions and legends that lives in the heart of the highest summits of the island: the Monte Cintu culminating at 2710 metres, Capu Tafunatu and the majestic Paglia Orba, the queen of Corsican mountains. Ninu Lake, with its “pozzines” and horses running free.

© OT Pasquale Paoli Couvent Saint François

Corsica Centre is also a high point for island gastronomy with its sheep or goat cheeses like Venachese and Niulincu. The canton of Venaco located in the centre of the island, in the heart of the Corsica Natural Regional Park, has always been at the centre of the traditional transhumance routes where herds were led to pastures in summer and brought back, in autumn, towards the eastern plain of Aléria. Herdsmen are acknowledged as the lords of this region and from time immemorial, their cheeses have enjoyed a well-earned reputation, in Corsica and beyond.

© OT Pasquale Paoli Statue Pasquale Paoli Morosaglia

At the foot of the highest summits of the island, the Corsica Centre is the starting point for all excursions: hikes, contemplative strolls, family walks. A great many mountain activities are available and supervised by professionals: trails from Mare a Mare Nord, Via Ferrata, canyoning, treetop adventure course, rock climbing, hiking around Melu, Capitellu or Crenu lakes. The Gorges de la Restonica which form natural pools are greatly appreciated in summer during hot weather.

Among the festivities, we note A Santa di U Niolu which for 3 days celebrates the Virgin Mary (early September) in the village of Casamaccioli, in the region of Niolu, A Fiera di u Casgiu in Venaco, an incontestable meeting point for producers - consumers, lovers and enthusiasts of Corsican cheeses. The fair is traditionally held in May.

Whether you’re traveling with friends, by yourself, with your family or as a couple, Corsica offers you a multitude of visits and activities to enjoy all year long. Get inspired with our “Best Of” the unmissable features of Central Corsica:

Must-sees :

The Museumof Corsica inCorte, the Citadel in Corte, the Forest of Vizzavona, the little villages inVenacais, the Departmental Museum ofMorosaglia , theSan Martinu Chapel in Erbaghjolu, the Saint François Convent in Morosaglia,the San Tumasgiu church inCastellu di Rustinu and much more