Country trails
The Sentiers de Pays take you to the heart of the Alta Rocca to discover unspoilt landscapes, forgotten hamlets and spectacular viewpoints. These signposted walking routes offer you an authentic immersion in the forests, mountains and rural heritage. Explore the soul of the region on foot, step by step.
Zonza - Quenza
Local trail (one way) with pleasant stretches along the water, past the Pian di Santu mill and magnificent views of the Aiguilles de Bavella.
Work
Part of the initial loop is under construction, so we're offering you an out-and-back trail.
To discover along the way
- the villages of Zonza and Quenza
- the Pian di Santu Mill
- the archaeological sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula (optional)
- the Chapelle de l'An Mil
Beaconing
Orange
IGN map
Aerial photos / IGN
Map of slopes (IGN map)
Map 1950 / IGN
Staff map (1820-1866)
Open Street Map
1
Start of the trail
Head towards Levie / Quenza following the yellow signs, on the path perpendicular to the road
Chapel of Santa Maria Assunta
Better known as the Chapelle de l'An Mil (Chapel of the Year 1000) because of the inscription to the right of the side door, this is a fine example of a Romanesque chapel, once located on the main travel routes of the region's inhabitants. The interior features magnificent painted frescoes decorating the apse. It is part of the Itinera Romanica discovery trail of Romanesque buildings.
Find out more by reading the orange interpretation panels.
Zonza Resistance Museum
The Musée de la Résistance is the only museum on the island devoted exclusively to the history of Corsica during the Second World War. Located in the heart of the village of Zonza, it helps to raise awareness of the uniqueness of our territory, which was the first département to be liberated on its own, without the help of the Allies, on 9 September 1943.
It also pays tribute to the men and women who fought for freedom, with a special focus on the patriots of the Alta Rocca region.
Old water mill
Old water mill on the Pian di Santu stream, a fine example of the vernacular architecture of the region
Archaeological sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula
Passing through a Mediterranean forest in the heart of a preserved environment, you'll discover the Casteddu de Cucuruzzu, one of the island's twenty or so known casteddi, located mainly in southern Corsica.
It was in 1959 that the archaeologist Roger Grosjean, who made the Filitosa (Sollacaro) and Cauria (Sartène) sites famous, mentioned the Cucuruzzu site.
In 1964, the study was taken over by François de Lanfranchi, who continued and extended his research into the 1990s.
Built by Bronze Age man, it was established within a granite chaos dominating the northern slopes of the Livia plateau. Below the casteddu to the north-east, several terraces and shelters have been occupied; this is a village surrounded by a protective wall (not accessible).
The main monument is the Torra (tower: probably used for storing and processing foodstuffs), which still has part of its roof. The remains recovered during the excavations are on display at the Alta Rocca County Museum.
Continuing on through the undergrowth, you come to the medieval site of casteddu de Capula: this site allows visitors to identify the various island cultures that flourished in the same place. Occupied since the Bronze Age, it was later at the heart of feudalism. .
Da ribba a ricciati interpretation trail
It's a great way to get to know the people who live in this beautiful mountain village. Take time along the way to visit the chapel dating back to the year 1000 and the hidden treasures of San Ghjorghjiu church. Stop off at the botanical garden to learn more about the various plants endemic to our region...
6
Cross
Turn right to continue the route
Turn left to go to the archaeological sites of Cucuruzzu and Capula (30 minutes round trip, not including the tour)
Garden of Contemporary Art and Quenza Castle
Situated in the heart of the Alta Rocca region, the Château de Quenza is an architectural curiosity, set on a plot of land that also houses the Jardin d'Art Contemporain. Built by Sébastien Colonna Cesari, Consul General of France in Florence until 1932, on the model of Tuscan palazzi, this beautiful mansion with its square tower and columned windows was erected between the wars in 1935.
Born into a family of rural notables, Sébastien Colonna Cesara was forced to leave his native land at the age of 19, following the tragic death of his father, which sparked a terrible Vendetta between two rival families. On his return to Corsica, he had this castle built at the entrance to the village, in the middle of a park and a particularly remarkable natural and landscaped environment, with a breathtaking view of the Aiguilles de Bavella. Inspired by medieval-style palaces in Tuscany, it was built by craftsmen and masons from Italy, using blond and pink granite and brick. An unfinished dream due to a lack of funds, Sébastien Colonna Cesari died there on 4 April 1939.
The château is a unique example of the island's splendour between the wars.
8
Intersection with a runway
Taking to the track
Watch out for traffic!
11
Cross
Turn left and go through the Garden of Endemic Plants, towards the Town Hall.