Olivese offers different ways to experience a trip: architectural history and a historic craft tradition sit alongside river landscapes, hiking opportunities and regional cuisine. You can focus on architecture and history, nature, or local dishes and produce. These different themes offer more than one way to discover the town.
Architectural history and distinctive forms
The Chapel of Saint-Georges is recorded in the Plan Terrier, which was drawn up between 1773 and 1795. It may date from the first half of the 18th century. Thus, the period when the plan was drawn up and a possible earlier construction date are both relevant; the chapel’s date remains explicitly uncertain.
The parish church of Saint-Augustin has a Latin-cross floor plan and a nave with three aisles. The term “Latin cross” describes the overall shape of the building; “three-aisled” refers to the division of the nave into three aisles. These are two different scales for viewing the architecture: the shape of the entire floor plan and the division of the nave.
Ponti di a TrinitĂ is a Genoese bridge dating from 1698. Below Olivese, it crosses the Taravo and connects Olivese with neighbouring Corrano. Its S-shape is another distinctive feature; originally, the bridge had three or four arches. Its role as a river crossing and its distinctive design can therefore be considered together.
A local craft tradition
In the 20th century, Olivese, also known as Livesi, had workshops where pipe blanks were made, and many villagers worked there. The material used was briar root burl, which was worked locally and roughly shaped into blanks. These were then sent to the Jura, where they were made into pipes. The work was thus divided between two stages: preparing the material in Olivese and making the pipes in the Jura. This history links a local craft with a wider production chain.
River landscapes and hiking
Near the village of Olivese, the river cascades down through two spectacular canyons at the A Piscia in Alba waterfall. The area around the waterfall also offers river scenery and opportunities for hiking. This gives you two distinct ways to enjoy nature: the waterfall’s striking form and the opportunity to explore the surroundings on foot. If you are planning your trip around nature experiences, you can include both in your plans.
Regional cuisine and produce
Ferme Auberge U Cantu in Olivese serves regional specialities such as charcuterie, crĂŞpes with Brocciu cheese, zucchini fritters, veal and pork ragout, grilled lamb, cheese and chestnut cake. If you would like to include these dishes in your plans, check which specialities are currently available before visiting; details and availability may change.
Charcuterie L'Usu Corsu in Olivese offers a different culinary focus: charcuterie and terrines are sold directly from the farm. Production follows a family tradition passed down by parents and great-grandparents. This lets you distinguish between the regional specialities served at U Cantu and the direct sale of charcuterie at L'Usu Corsu. As sales arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them in advance.
Discover more destinations: Vico, Serra-di-Scopamène, Foce Tower, Albitreccia, Calcatoggio, Santa-Maria-Siché, Propriano, Ambiegna
Return to the main travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.
