The San Rinieru Chapel lies between Montemaggiore and Lunghignano. In Montemaggiore, the ruins of the old village are preserved at the A Cima site; from there, the view stretches across the Gulf of Calvi. Together, these places give Montegrosso a distinctive cultural and scenic character. Those choosing a trip based on specific buildings and village history will find different points of interest in San Rinieru, San Vitu and A Cima: church architecture, traces of an old settlement and views sit side by side.

Comparing the Chapel and Church

San Rinieru is a Pisan-Romanesque building dating from around 1185. A decree dated 15 May 1930 protected the chapel; in 1992, it was classified as a historic monument. It lies at an altitude of 420 metres. The three dates refer to different milestones: construction around 1185, protection in 1930 and its later classification in 1992. The name of the style adds an architectural classification to the approximate date.

San Vitu broadens the view of church architecture with a much later building. The church in Lunghignano was built between 1801 and 1812. Its transept has an octagonal dome with a lantern. The transept is the crosswise arm of the church, so the dome with lantern is a specific feature of this part of the building. The gap of several centuries also makes the comparison clear in chronological terms: San Rinieru dates to the Middle Ages, while San Vitu dates to the early 19th century.

Circular Walk and Viewpoints

The landscapes offer different experiences, too. The Montegrosso circular walk is 5 km long and has 178 metres of elevation gain; along the way, it offers views of the hinterland. A Cima in Montemaggiore, by contrast, offers a view of the Gulf of Calvi, and the ruins of the old village are preserved on the site. The walk and A Cima therefore offer different emphases: its length, elevation gain and hinterland views describe the hike, while A Cima combines a view with village history in one place. Those choosing between these themes can consider the hike and the site with its view and village remains as distinct travel interests.

Olive Oil and Cultural Events

The Fiera di l’Alivu adds a culinary event to your travel plans. It takes place every year in the village of Montemaggiore, in the municipality of Montegrosso; the dates vary from year to year. Tastings pair Corsican olive oil with Corsican products. The Fiera holds the distinction “Site remarquable du goût.” The tastings describe the culinary offering; “Site remarquable du goût” is the event’s distinction. If the tastings are a reason for your trip, it is worth checking the date for the relevant year before making plans.

On 28 August, members of the brotherhoods carry Saint Augustine in a procession.

Discover more destinations: Moltifao, Bastia, Meria, Patrimonio, Speloncato, Pruno, Valle-di-Rostino, Rapale

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Corse.