Marignana is surrounded by mountains with red rocks. Around the Church of Saint-Jacques, tall stone houses with sculpted portals and corbels shape the village’s appearance. There are also churches with different building histories, traces of former copper mining, and information about stages of long-distance hiking trails. Culture and hiking are therefore two clear priorities when planning a trip. If you are focusing on a hike, take note of the specific route: a stage from Marignana to E Case covers 15.6 kilometres.
Stone Houses and the Church of Saint-Jacques
The Church of Saint-Jacques was built at the end of the 15th century or the beginning of the 16th century. Its painted decoration was added later: Jean-Noël Coppolani, a painter from Marignana, created it between 1870 and 1880; Raymond Rifflard retouched the paintings in the third quarter of the 20th century. This building thus brings together several clearly distinct periods.
The area around the church also has architectural details to discover. Numerous reused stones have been preserved in the walls of neighbouring houses, some bearing an unusual bestiary. Together with the sculpted portals and corbels of the tall stone houses, these details give the village’s architecture its distinctive character. Visitors interested in architecture can take a closer look at both the design of the houses and the church’s decoration.
Churches in Chidazzu and Revinda
The hamlet of Chidazzu was founded at the beginning of the 16th century by shepherds from Niolo. The Church of Saint-François-Xavier was built later, between 1670 and 1686. It replaced the older Church of Saint-Nicolas, which stood away from the houses and had fallen into disrepair. Saint-François-Xavier has a single-nave body with a barrel vault and a semicircular choir with a calotte vault. Its bell tower is topped by a dome; a distinctive bell tower made of wood and bronze is also recorded for the Chapel of Saint-François-Xavier.
In Revinda, the Church of Saint-Siméon was built in 1800 and consecrated in 1801 by Monseigneur Francesco Guasco, the last Bishop of Sagone. The churches in Saint-Jacques, Chidazzu and Revinda thus offer different historical reference points: from the building history of Saint-Jacques, through the founding of Chidazzu and the construction of its later church, to the consecration of Saint-Siméon.
Hiking: Distinguishing Route Names Precisely
At Marignana, the Mare a Mare Nord hiking trail reaches the final section of the Mare è Monti. A stage of the Mare è Monti Nord route runs from Marignana to E Case and covers 15.6 kilometres. The names are similar, but the information refers to specifically named routes and stages. Plan your hike using the full route name and the stated destination. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
The stage length of 15.6 kilometres provides a concrete reference for planning, but not a walking time. Plan your day based on the stage you actually choose and your own schedule. Those who want to focus more on local history will also find several distinct topics: church architecture, painting, reused stones and the history of former copper mining.
Local History, Festivals and Photographs
Mining installations in the former copper-mining area of Prunelli near Revinda, Gradi and Livida Mala are still partly visible today. Marignana also played an important role in the Resistance during the Second World War. These two historical subjects complement the religious buildings with insights into mining and the history of the Resistance.
The votive festival in honour of Saint James is traditionally celebrated every year. Marignana’s patron saint festival is traditionally scheduled for the last Sunday in July and includes a mass in the Church of Saint-Jacques. Check the programme for the relevant year before your trip. Around fifteen photographs taken in the village have been exhibited at Marignana Town Hall. Ask locally whether the exhibition will be open during your stay and what visiting arrangements apply.
Discover more destinations: Monacia-d'Aullène, Osani, Sagone, Viggianello, Belvédère-Campomoro, Pianottoli-Caldarello, Olmeto, Olmiccia.
For the broader travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
