Founded in 1485 in the chestnut hills of the Castagniccia, this Franciscan convent is a landmark of Corsican history: in 1731 an assembly of generals and theologians here declared the revolt against Genoa legitimate, and in 1735 an island government was proclaimed. It is now a roofless ruin.
What it needs
Abandoned for decades, the ruins are deteriorating fast; storms have damaged the decoration and the bell tower. The Collectivité de Corse plans to stabilize the walls, relay floors, treat the masonry for damp and give free access to the church, oratory and bell tower. It is a 2026 flagship site of the Mission Patrimoine, and first works were expected by the end of 2026.
Before you act. A public project to consolidate the ruin as a memorial site with a visitor route, not to restore it for religious life. About €810,000 of the works cost is shown as secured.
The Définitoire was damaged by fire in the 19th century, is largely disused and is described by the Fondation du patrimoine as in a state of peril; walls and roof come first. Once saved it is to house a study and research center holding the archives of the order, plus exhibition space. Works began in March 2025 and the donation drive is under half way to its target.
On the morning of 2 November 2025 a fire gutted the main building, leaving only walls and a few vaults and destroying the original timber roof and painted beams. The owners first need to protect the exposed masonry, then rebuild frame and roof. Insurance is capped, so the Fondation du patrimoine opened an emergency collection.
