- Hiking
- Grand Bastia
- Chapelle Santa Maria
Hiking to the Santa Maria Chapel in Furiani
On the heights of Furiani and Biguglia
At the top of Furiani, after passing the last houses, a perfectly passable dirt track will take you to higher ground, with views of the historic village of Furiani and its Paoline tower, the plain and the sea in the background.
A walk in the heart of nature with less than 200 metres of ascent, heading south towards Biguglia, where you will pass a paddock with horses. Note that the route may vary depending on the fences.
The trail
The entire route, which is perfectly maintained, can also be covered by bike. Isolated on the heights above the town of Furiani and its 6,000 or so inhabitants, the route is used daily by runners and walkers enjoying the scenery and the fresh mountain air.
Access via the hamlet of Marinella
The Santa Maria chapel can also be reached from another starting point, by following the Santa Lucia road to the hamlet of Marinella, where you will cross the Santa Lucia stream.
Santa Maria Chapel
The chapel is located on a plateau surrounded by a stone wall, with a small gate that must be closed behind you for animals. Very old and well maintained, it is thought to date from the 9th century and to have been rebuilt a century later.
It has two doors, one on the west façade, one on the side, and clerestories. The nave and apse face east and the sunrise.
Remains of an ancient hermit's dwelling
Very close to the chapel of Santa Maria are the ruins of an ancient hermitage, which served as a simple dwelling for one or two people who lived there as religious recluses.
