Vico brings together protected cultural heritage, religious art and hiking trails. The Cathedral of Saint-Appien and the Saint-François Monastery give the town a historical dimension; the Chigliani Trail offers views of the mountains, the Liamone Valley and the monastery. During your stay, you can choose between architectural and artistic history, an annual commemorative day and outdoor activity.

Cultural History and Sacred Art

The Cathedral of Saint-Appien in Vico has been protected in its entirety as a historic monument since 4 September 1989. Religious art includes the statue “Saint Joseph et l’Enfant Jésus” in the church of Vico: the gilded, polychrome wood sculpture dates from the mid-to-late 19th century and has been listed as an object under the historic monuments classification since 1988.

Construction of the Saint-François Monastery in Vico began in 1481 for the Franciscans, by order of the lord Giovan Paolo de Leca. Rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, the monastery forms a U-shaped complex with a cloister, chapel and monastic wings. It has been home to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate since 1836. The monastery church also houses U Santu Franciscone, a large polychrome wooden Christ.

Father Albini is also associated with the monastery: his tomb is located there, and he is commemorated here every year on 20 May. If you include the date in your travel plans, note that the specific programme may vary.

Other Landmarks in Vico and Nesa

In the heart of Vico, a bronze statue of Bishop Casanelli d’Istria stands in a shaded square. The historic heritage also includes the ancient figure of Appriciani: a rock shaped like a human head, classified as a historic monument in 1840.

A Funtana Vechja lies below the village. For several centuries, it was Vico’s only spring. After its water was confirmed as potable on 17 July 2026, visitors were able to use the spring. Its water status should be checked again before using it today.

In Nesa stands the Church of Saint Paul and Saint Damien, built between 1863 and 1871. The church offers panoramic views of the village of Vico. A visit to local buildings therefore combines a specific construction date with a viewpoint overlooking Vico.

Hiking: Two Different Trail Profiles

The family-friendly Chigliani Trail starts at the edge of Vico, behind the church. It is 3.0 km long, rated easy and listed as taking 1 hour 30 minutes. The trail offers views of the mountains, the Liamone Valley and the Saint-François Monastery in Vico. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out; duration and difficulty may vary depending on conditions.

The “Vico au sommet de la Cuma” route starts in the hamlet of Nesa and climbs into the forest. For the Chigliani Trail, you can refer to a stated distance and duration; the Cuma route is characterised by its starting point in Nesa and its ascent into the forest. These provide different points of reference when choosing a route, without presenting the two trails as one continuous route.

Discover more destinations: Giuncheto, Viggianello, Bocognano, San-Gavino-Di-Carbini, Pinarellu, Tizzano, Osani, Zévaco

For the wider travel overview: Corse-Du-Sud.