Grosseto Prugna
Grussetu, Prugna, 3402 PopulationInsee Grosseto Prugna 0 to 1161 meters 3156 hectares
Grosseto-Prugna (or U Grussetu) is a village in the Ornano valley in southern Corsica, around twenty minutes from Ajaccio, with its historic centre nestling at an altitude of 600 metres. 28 kilometres below is Porticcio, Grosseto's tourist hub and famous seaside resort. The municipality's territory forms a plateau from the sea to the mountains, with the highest point at 1161 metres.
Porticcio: the beach and the summer atmosphere
Situated between the Pointe d'Isolella and Napoléon Bonaparte airport, Porticcio is at the heart of the Gulf of Ajaccio, attracting almost 60,000 visitors every summer (source: Grosseto Prugna Town Hall) who come to enjoy its superb fine sandy beach and turquoise waters. During the summer season, the lively atmosphere and numerous amenities make it an ideal destination for holidays with family or friends:
- Restaurants and bars by the sea
- A wide range of shops and boutiques
- Shuttle service between Porticcio and Ajaccio
In the off-season, Porticcio's beach regains its tranquil charm, offering sublime scenery and magnificent sunsets for relaxation and contemplation.
The Church of Saint-Césaire (San Cesariu)
The Church of Saint-Césaire, dedicated to the village's patron saint, stands slightly off-centre on a small square.
Its bell tower with its mosaic dome reflects the Tuscan influence of the churches of the 19th and 20th centuries. Four storeys high, it is topped by a Jerusalem cross, recognisable by its four equal branches surrounded by four smaller crosses, the symbol of Eastern Christianity and the Crusades.
The gable is topped by a ridge statue representing the Virgin Mary - protector of the island - watching over the building and its faithful. When night falls, the lighting enhances the granite stone and the charm of this church.
Saint John Paul II Church project
As a result of the development of the Grosseto coastline, a project was launched in 2016, accompanied by Mgr De Germay - former Bishop of Corsica - to build a new church in Porticcio (it was to have been dedicated to Saint John Paul II).
However, the project had to be put on hold due to a lack of funds from donations. However, the scaled-back project has not been abandoned for all that, according to an article dating from 2022 published on Corse Net infos: Porticcio: a new project for the second church.
Leisure in Porticcio: relaxation and activities for families
Porticcio also offers a range of leisure facilities for families:
- Fenced children's playground for families.
- Tennis court accessible with permission.
