Fiuminale at Velone Orneto - A Village Not So Abandoned

Fiuminale is a village abandoned since the 80s, without ever having had an access road. Only a trail along the river allows one to reach it through the forest, from the Hell's Bridge in the municipality of Velone Orneto.

Village abandoned since 1981

Hamlet Fiuminale

A remnant of a not-so-distant past life, the village of Fiuminale still had about a hundred inhabitants at the end of the war, before seeing its population inexorably decrease until 1981, when the departure of the last inhabitant sealed the history of this village.

Built hidden from view on the heights of Castagniccia, at a time when the population lived in concealment to protect itself from the Barbary raids that razed the Mediterranean coast, Fiuminale is one of these abandoned Corsican villages, withdrawn from the world without road access, whose difficult access, which was once their strength, became the cause of their depopulation.

A Village Not So Abandoned

Thanks to a couple of producers who raise goats in the area, and also due to the brave work of the San Ghjiseppu di Fiuminale association, the village is now again lively, at least in season, with the sale of cheese and migliaccioli, a Corsican preparation with brocciu or fresh cheese. A welcome comfort to regain some strength while enjoying local specialties.

Chapel San Ghjiseppu

Saint Joseph Chapel - Fiuminale

The village consists of several houses, a sheepfold, and its small Saint Joseph chapel restored in 2012, the door of which was made by the cabinetmaker Pantaléon Alessandri bearing the inscription of "Sempre Fidati", always faithful.

These old stone buildings, sometimes in ruins, are distributed over two twinned hamlets between Fiuminale Suttanu at the bottom and Fiuminale Supranu about 10 minutes walk higher up.

Marked trail through the forest

The trail is perfectly clear, sometimes steep, through the forest with a good shaded part.

Departure from the Hell's Bridge

Hell's Bridge

At the borders of Velone Orneto marking the entrance to the municipality, the Hell's Bridge - u ponte di l'infernu - owes its reputation to the ominous legends surrounding the basin below.

It is now primarily known for being the starting point leading to the village of Fiuminale, on this old muleteers' trail that runs along the Canapajo river.

Difficulty of the hike

This very touristic trail requires being well-equipped with good shoes, water, and something to cover your head. In the summer season, with the heat, the trail can be challenging for young children and people lacking physical condition.

River and Natural Basins

Canapajo River

Bringing a refreshing coolness in the heart of the season, the Canapajo River - a tributary of the Petrignani River - is dotted with enchanting basins whose silver reflections shimmer the deep green of the forest, fully contributing to the charm of the place which is barely disturbed by the flow of water.

The trail runs along the river upstream requiring crossing it multiple times to get back up to the village of Fiuminale.

Fiuminale in the TV show "Fora di Strada"

Find Paul and Karine exploring the village of Fiuminale in the TV show "Fora di Strada" on France 3 Corse Via Stella.

Carte IGN et dénivelé - Fiuminale