{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Cervione/Castagniccia
Cervione is a picturesque village in the Castagniccia region of Corsica, an area known for its lush chestnut forests, mountain landscapes, and strong cultural traditions. Castagniccia, named after its chestnut trees ("castagni"), is one of Corsica’s most historically significant areas, famous for its rural villages, Baroque churches, and rich gastronomy.
1. History of Cervione & Castagniccia
Cervione was once the capital of Corsica in the early 18th century when Luigi Giafferi, one of Corsica’s national leaders, declared it the seat of government.
In 1736, Theodor von Neuhoff, a German adventurer, landed in Corsica and was crowned king in Cervione, making it briefly the capital of his short-lived Corsican kingdom.
Castagniccia was historically a wealthy region due to its chestnut production, which was the staple food of Corsica for centuries.
The area played an important role in Corsican resistance against Genoese and later French rule.
With modernization, many villages were abandoned as people moved toward the coast, but Cervione remains one of the most vibrant towns in the area.
2. Description of Cervione & Castagniccia
Cervione sits at an elevation of around 350 meters, offering stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Corsica’s eastern coastline.
It features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and beautiful churches, most notably the Baroque-style Saint Erasmus Cathedral.
Castagniccia, more broadly, is an area of rolling green hills covered in dense chestnut forests, with small historic villages, fountains, and churches dotting the landscape.
The region is known for its tranquil atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and excellent hiking trails.
3. Typical Food from Cervione & Castagniccia
Due to its historical reliance on chestnuts, Castagniccia's cuisine is unique and rich in local flavors:
Chestnut Flour-Based Dishes:
Pulenda – A thick chestnut flour polenta, typically served with figatellu (Corsican liver sausage).
Fritelli castagnini – Chestnut flour fritters.
Chestnut cakes & biscuits – Such as "fiadone", a cheesecake-like dessert.
Corsican Cheeses & Cured Meats:
Brocciu – A fresh cheese used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Figatellu – A smoked liver sausage, often grilled.
Lonzu, Coppa, Prisuttu – Various types of Corsican cured meats.
Seafood Specialties (due to Cervione’s proximity to the coast):
Oysters & mussels – Farmed in the nearby Étang de Diane lagoon.
Grilled fish – Freshly caught from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Local Honey & Nuts:
Corsican honey – Protected by an AOC label, with different floral varieties.
Walnuts & almonds – Often used in pastries.
Wines & Spirits:
Corsican wines – From the Patrimonio and Vin de Corse appellations.
Myrtle liqueur ("Liqueur de Myrte") – A popular local digestif.
4. Activities in Cervione & Castagniccia
Explore Cervione’s Old Town – Walk its medieval streets and visit the Saint Erasmus Cathedral.
Museu di a Corsica – A small museum in Cervione showcasing local history and traditions.
Hiking & Nature Walks – The Castagniccia region is full of scenic trails, such as:
Monte San Petrone (1,767m) – The highest peak in Castagniccia, offering panoramic views.
Sentier des Châtaigniers – A chestnut forest trail.
Visit Historical Churches – Such as Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Piedicroce, a Baroque masterpiece.
Local Food Markets & Farms – Taste chestnut products, honey, and artisanal Corsican cheeses.
Beach Trips – The nearby Plage de Prunete is a great spot for relaxation and water activities.
Étang de Diane – A lagoon where you can try fresh oysters and seafood.
Attend Local Festivals:
Festa di a Castagna (Chestnut Festival) – A winter festival in Castagniccia celebrating chestnuts.
Religious Processions & Feasts – Many Corsican villages, including Cervione, hold Saint Erasmus celebrations in June.
1. History of Cervione & Castagniccia
Cervione was once the capital of Corsica in the early 18th century when Luigi Giafferi, one of Corsica’s national leaders, declared it the seat of government.
In 1736, Theodor von Neuhoff, a German adventurer, landed in Corsica and was crowned king in Cervione, making it briefly the capital of his short-lived Corsican kingdom.
Castagniccia was historically a wealthy region due to its chestnut production, which was the staple food of Corsica for centuries.
The area played an important role in Corsican resistance against Genoese and later French rule.
With modernization, many villages were abandoned as people moved toward the coast, but Cervione remains one of the most vibrant towns in the area.
2. Description of Cervione & Castagniccia
Cervione sits at an elevation of around 350 meters, offering stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and Corsica’s eastern coastline.
It features narrow cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and beautiful churches, most notably the Baroque-style Saint Erasmus Cathedral.
Castagniccia, more broadly, is an area of rolling green hills covered in dense chestnut forests, with small historic villages, fountains, and churches dotting the landscape.
The region is known for its tranquil atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and excellent hiking trails.
3. Typical Food from Cervione & Castagniccia
Due to its historical reliance on chestnuts, Castagniccia's cuisine is unique and rich in local flavors:
Chestnut Flour-Based Dishes:
Pulenda – A thick chestnut flour polenta, typically served with figatellu (Corsican liver sausage).
Fritelli castagnini – Chestnut flour fritters.
Chestnut cakes & biscuits – Such as "fiadone", a cheesecake-like dessert.
Corsican Cheeses & Cured Meats:
Brocciu – A fresh cheese used in both savory and sweet dishes.
Figatellu – A smoked liver sausage, often grilled.
Lonzu, Coppa, Prisuttu – Various types of Corsican cured meats.
Seafood Specialties (due to Cervione’s proximity to the coast):
Oysters & mussels – Farmed in the nearby Étang de Diane lagoon.
Grilled fish – Freshly caught from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Local Honey & Nuts:
Corsican honey – Protected by an AOC label, with different floral varieties.
Walnuts & almonds – Often used in pastries.
Wines & Spirits:
Corsican wines – From the Patrimonio and Vin de Corse appellations.
Myrtle liqueur ("Liqueur de Myrte") – A popular local digestif.
4. Activities in Cervione & Castagniccia
Explore Cervione’s Old Town – Walk its medieval streets and visit the Saint Erasmus Cathedral.
Museu di a Corsica – A small museum in Cervione showcasing local history and traditions.
Hiking & Nature Walks – The Castagniccia region is full of scenic trails, such as:
Monte San Petrone (1,767m) – The highest peak in Castagniccia, offering panoramic views.
Sentier des Châtaigniers – A chestnut forest trail.
Visit Historical Churches – Such as Église Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in Piedicroce, a Baroque masterpiece.
Local Food Markets & Farms – Taste chestnut products, honey, and artisanal Corsican cheeses.
Beach Trips – The nearby Plage de Prunete is a great spot for relaxation and water activities.
Étang de Diane – A lagoon where you can try fresh oysters and seafood.
Attend Local Festivals:
Festa di a Castagna (Chestnut Festival) – A winter festival in Castagniccia celebrating chestnuts.
Religious Processions & Feasts – Many Corsican villages, including Cervione, hold Saint Erasmus celebrations in June.
Click to show the map