Marianda Convent in Farinole - Saint Francis of the Observance

Constructed between 1606 and 1750

Also known as the Saint Francis of the Observance Convent, the Marianda Convent is a very large building with multiple functional cavities that housed up to 20 monks in 1770.

Founded in 1606 under the Papacy of Paul V, the convent was constructed in several stages and completed in 1750 by Franciscan monks, thanks to the help and donations from the inhabitants as well as the three neighboring communes of Farinole, Barbaggio, and Patrimonio. The convent's bell was cast in Genoa in 1650.

Access via a Pathway

It is accessible by a small and short path (5 minutes walk) in a bend of the departmental road, indicated by a sign and a notice board. There is no parking access. Due to its ruined state, the building should not be approached too closely because of the risk of collapse and falling stones.

Place of Resistance

Due to the monks and priests participating in the independence struggle, a royal edict of France in 1771 mandated the closure of nearly all convents on the island, a measure resisted by the Corsican assembly, which extended the life of the island's convents for a few more years.

The Marianda Convent housed up to 20 monks. It includes 7 chapels dedicated to Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, Saint Anthony, and the souls in Purgatory, among others.

Collapse of the Pediment in 2013

Due to lack of resources, the building could not be reinforced. The pediment collapsed following severe weather and strong winds in March 2013. 407 years after its foundation, the main structure is still standing but remains dangerous for visitors, children, and pets who should not venture there.

The building's furniture and objects were sold on February 8, 1792.