Marianda Convent in Farinole - Saint Francis of the Observance

Built between 1606 and 1750

Also known as the Convent of Saint Francis of the Observance, the Convent of Marianda is a very large building with multiple functional cavities that housed up to 20 monks in 1770.

Founded in 1606 under the Papacy of Paul V, the convent was built in several stages and completed in 1750 by Franciscan monks, thanks to the help and donations of the local people and the 3 neighbouring communes of Farinole, Barbaggio and Patrimonio. The convent bell was cast in Genoa in 1650.

Access by footpath

It can be reached via a short path (5-minute walk) in a bend in the main road, indicated by a sign and a signpost. There is no access for parking. Because of its ruined state, the building should not be approached too closely due to the risk of collapse and falling rocks.

A place of resistance

As the monks and priests had taken part in the fight for independence, an edict issued by the King of France in 1771 forced the closure of almost all the convents on the island, which the Corsican Assembly refused to do, thus prolonging the life of the island's convents for a few more years.

The Marianda convent housed up to 20 monks. It has 7 chapels dedicated to Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, Saint Anthony and the souls in Purgatory.

Collapse of the Fronton in 2013

Due to a lack of funds, the building could not be consolidated. The pediment collapsed following heavy weather and gusts of wind in March 2013. 407 years after its foundation, the main structure is still standing, but remains dangerous for visitors, children and pets, who must not venture onto it.

The building's furnishings and artefacts were sold on 8 February 1792.