Santa Maria di Lota
From the hamlet of Mandriale, on the heights of the municipality, Santa Maria di Lota rises up the hillside to the Miomu marina.
Scattered among the fragrant maquis and groves of chestnut trees which join the Cap Corse, this balcony village can be discovered through its cobbled streets and footpaths that lead hikers up to the Cimone. At an altitude of 1198 metres, this splendid part of the Bastia region offers a 360-degree view of the summit that divides the town from the rest of the region. the Mediterranean between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Remnants of an agropastoral tradition that has been slowly dying out since the beginning of the last century, these transhumance shepherds' paths continue to exist in complete secrecy, much to the delight of mountain enthusiasts.
À Mandriale, History buffs are sure to stop off to admire the old Genoese humpback bridge, built in the 17th century and still one of the town's Ligurian landmarks.
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Santa Maria di Lota boasts a rich architectural heritage: from the church santa Maria Assunta, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, to that of Saint Anthony of Padua, with its many oratories and chapels, to the Dominican convent of Saint-Hyacinthe, the village sometimes takes on the appearance of a religious shrine. in its hilly landscape, its « American homes »Inspired by Tuscan architecture, these large rectangular buildings with columns, arcades and gardens celebrate the success of the Cap Corsins who left to try their luck on the New Continent at the end of the 19th century.
From Figarella, These beautiful residences overlook the sea from Miomu, a pretty, popular seaside resort at the northern entrance to Bastia. Easy to reach, its charming beach The pebbled beach is an ideal place for a relaxing family swim, supervised by lifeguards and overlooked by the emblematic 16th-century Genoese tower.
A 16th-century Genoese tower
Located directly on the seafront, the tower of Miomu was once used to warn the population of barbarian invasions. Built in the 16th century and recently restored, the tower still watches over the pretty pebble beach of Miomu, while providing a strong heritage landmark in the landscape of the Bastia coastline.
Did you know?
In the past, the inhabitants of Figarella and Mandriale planted their vines in Miomu, producing wine that was renowned as far afield as Italy.
Walk to the chapel of Saint John
Starting from the hamlet of Mandriale, the Saint-Jean chapel offers an authentic immersion between sea and mountains. This accessible, panoramic path winds its way through the Corsican maquis, gradually revealing spectacular views of the Bastia coastline.
La Saint-Jean chapel is a peaceful stopover steeped in history and spirituality. It is also from this route that the more adventurous can extend their experience by joining the Monte Stello, the emblematic summit of the Cap Corse.
Discover these picturesque villages with their rich heritage
These are places steeped in history, immersing visitors in the centuries that have made this land so rich, and speaking of the people who live here. All the more reason to get a taste of authentic Corsica, in the heart of the villages.