- Hiking
- Grand Bastia
- Chapelle Santa Maria
Hiking to the Santa Maria Chapel in Furiani
On the Heights of Furiani and Biguglia
On the heights of Furiani, after passing the last dwellings, a perfectly drivable dirt road will elevate you with viewpoints of the historic village of Furiani and its Paoline tower, with the plain and sea in the background.
A walk in the heart of nature that will lead you south towards Biguglia, during which you will pass alongside an enclosure housing horses. Note that the path may vary according to the fences.
The Trail
Along the entire impeccably maintained route, one could even traverse it by bike. Isolated on the heights of the town of Furiani and its roughly 6,000 inhabitants, the path is frequented daily by runners and hikers who enjoy the landscape and the mountain's fresh air.
Access via Marinella Hamlet
The Santa Maria chapel is also accessible from another starting point, by following the road of Sainte Lucie, in the hamlet of Marinella, where you will cross the Santa Lucia stream.
Chapel of Santa Maria
The chapel is situated on a plateau encircled by a stone wall, featuring a small gate which should be closed behind you for the sake of animals. Very ancient and well-maintained, it is believed to date from the 9th century and underwent a refurbishment a century later.
It has two doors, one on the west facade and a lateral one, as well as clerestory windows. The nave followed by the apse are oriented towards the East and the rising sun.
Remains of an Ancient Hermit's Dwelling
Close to the Santa Maria chapel, one can find the ruins of an ancient hermitage, which served as a simple dwelling for one or two individuals who were likely religious recluses.
