Morsiglia offers several distinct points of interest: Pisan and Baroque church art, a long monastic history, square towers, the easy “Tours et détours” circular route, and wine culture. You can tailor your stay to your own interests, with architecture and history alongside a specific walking route and a wine experience that requires advance reservations.
Sacred Architecture and Monastic History
The parish church of Saint-Cyprien is a Pisan building whose construction began in the 16th century. Its Baroque façade has a double colonnade on two levels and is considered unique in Corsica. Its furnishings include a pulpit made by Giovanni Pellegrini and a baptismal font created by him in 1696. The organ, signed by Petrus Pirani, dates from 1770 and is one of the oldest organs in Corsica. Saint-Cyprien is currently consecrated and used exclusively for worship; cultural events are held there only very occasionally.
The Couvent de l’Annonciation is considered one of the oldest monasteries in Corsica. Founded in the 15th century, it served for several centuries as the seat of the Provincial of the Servites in Corsica. The monastery church was built in 1600 and enlarged at the beginning of the 18th century. Both the Couvent and its church are fully listed as historic monuments. The foundation, construction of the church and its later enlargement mark distinct periods in the monastery’s history.
Towers and the “Tours et détours” Circular Route
Morsiglia’s square towers were built between the 15th and 16th centuries as aristocratic residences and fortified houses. They were intended to protect residents from raids by Barbary pirates. In these buildings, living quarters and defence were closely intertwined.
The 1.6-kilometre “Tours et détours” circular route passes through the hamlets of Pecurile, Prunu and Stanti. It is considered easy and is marked in yellow. Panoramic views include the sea in the distance, the four towers of U Pecurile, the tower of Stanti and the Palazzu Ghjelfucci. The stated distance and trail markings offer specific guidance for choosing this route; no walking time is specified.
A 20th-Century Building
Château Fantauzzi was completed in 1924 and is considered the last Corsican “maison dite d’Américain”, or so-called “American’s house”. Parts of its façades and roofs are listed as historic monuments. Dating from a later period, the château adds another chapter to Morsiglia’s architectural history alongside its older churches and monastery.
Wine Culture at Clos Paoli
Clos Paoli is a small, five-hectare vineyard in the commune of Morsiglia, on the western side of Cap Corse. Terraces paved with lauze stone are used for the passerillage process for certain traditional sweet wines of Cap Corse, including Muscat, Rappu and Impassitu. In passerillage, grapes are dried before further processing; here, the method is associated with specific wines and distinctive terracing.
Clos Paoli also offers agritourism outings with an aperitif dinner in the vineyards. Advance booking is required. Morsiglia therefore offers a choice of different experiences: sacred art and history, a marked walking route with views, or a reservation-only experience focused on winegrowing.
Discover more destinations: Barbaggio, Piedicroce, Ghisoni, Santo-Pietro-Di-Venaco, Castirla, Serra-di-Fiumorbo, Meria, Sisco
Go to the regional travel overview: Haute-Corse.
