- Hiking
- Costa Verde
- Chapelle de la Scupiccia
Scupiccia Chapel in Cervione
Walk from Cervione to the Scupiccia chapel
Nestling on the heights of the Costa Verde village of Cervione, this hike is a one-piece ascent with a positive gradient of 432 metres through the maquis. At first you come across goats in their enclosure, with the possibility of crossing paths with cows, although caution is always advised. There is virtually no shade, so it's best to avoid the sunniest hours, and to take water and good shoes with you.
Departure from the heights of Cervione
To access the path, park in the car park in the centre of the village and continue on foot from the square in front of the church of Saint Erasme de Cervione to the track.
Mountains and scrubland
Soon after starting on the dirt track, you'll come across a fountain and a cross with a sign from the Corsica Cristiana association explaining the Via Lucis. The rest of the trail is on a track accessible to vehicles before entering the maquis, through which a few fine streams thread their way.
At the summit, the Chapelle de la Scupiccia
The climb ends at the ridge on which the chapel of La Scupiccia is built, in the municipality of Sant'Andréa di Cotone. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea.
A Madonne di a Scupiccia
Legend has it that in the 16th century, a ship carrying a statue of the Virgin Mary and its altar was scuttled by pirates. The pieces of art, sculpted in Florence, were originally destined for Cordoba Cathedral in Andalusia, whose building is dedicated to the Virgin. Moved by the splendour of this statue, the Campulurinchi of the Cervione region decided to dedicate a sanctuary to it.
The name "La Madonna di a Scupiccia" was given to her by the religious and the locals, in reference to the place where she was placed. Now recognised and listed by the Beaux-Arts, she rests in a chapel built in the 17th century. She is still affectionately known as the Madonna of Scupiccia. Her patron saint's day takes place every 15 August, with a procession to the chapel.
The "A Cerviuninca" Trail
If you're a keen runner, this route is also used as part of the "A Cerviuninca" trail, which takes place every autumn. A more sporting way to discover this beautiful region.
