Cortina Hamlet

The Cortina hamlet, located in the commune of Pietracorbara in Upper Corsica, is one of the seven traditional perched hamlets scattered across the Cap Corse valley. Nestled on a mountainside at around 300 meters above sea level, it overlooks the coastal plain and the Pietracorbara marina, offering spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and, on clear days, the distant island of Elba. Cortina, or Curtina in Corsican, is divided into two distinct parts: Cortina Suprana (the upper part) and Cortina Suttana (the lower part), each with its own character, reflecting the typical organization of Corsican hillside villages.

Description and Setting

Cortina is an authentic hamlet made up of stone houses with slate roofs, often connected by narrow alleys, vaulted passages, and steep staircases. In Cortina Suttana, there are well-preserved buildings, some featuring elegant vaulted structures, while Cortina Suprana offers a more open panorama over the valley and the sea. The hamlet is surrounded by dense maquis—cistus, junipers, cork oaks—and terraces once cultivated but now partly reclaimed by nature. A natural spring runs through the hamlet, feeding two restored fountains, one in each section, which add a touch of freshness to the landscape.

History

Cortina shares the rich and tumultuous history of Pietracorbara, shaped by Pisan, Genoese, and French influences. From the Middle Ages, it was inhabited by agro-pastoral families who worked the land for olives, vines, and grains while raising livestock. Under Genoese rule (13th to 18th centuries), its elevated position provided a refuge from Barbary pirate raids. In the 19th century, a prosperous period for the commune with nearly 1,000 inhabitants, Cortina was a hub of economic activity: a blacksmith operated there until the mid-20th century, and a carpenter worked there into the 1970s, signs of a vibrant community life.

The hamlet was less affected by rural exodus than others, thanks to its relative proximity to the plain and restoration efforts. Between 2010 and 2012, the municipality, with support from the Corsican Environment Office and the Haute-Corse General Council, launched a major project to rehabilitate public spaces—squares, staircases, fountains—preserving its authenticity.

Heritage

Cortina is particularly known for housing the Saint-Césaire Church (San Cesareu), the most notable religious monument in the hamlet. Built in the 19th century on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque church (whose stones were reused), it likely dates in part to 1030, making it one of the oldest chapels still standing in the valley. It houses an 18th-century painting depicting the Nativity with Saint Césaire of Arles, a 6th-century protector and archbishop. Each August 25, the Feast of Saint Césaire is celebrated with a mass, a procession, and a convivial gathering, drawing both locals and visitors. Perched on a steep site, the church recalls the defensive architecture of the Cap Corse, designed to withstand invasions.

Other heritage elements include:

Bread Oven: Cortina Suprana preserves a beautiful communal oven, as well as a fucone (central hearth) in an old house, testaments to the hamlet’s past self-sufficiency.
Threshing Floors: On the southwest edge of the hamlet, beneath cork oaks, there are aghje (ancient threshing floors), partially degraded by time and wild boars but worthy of restoration to honor the labor of past generations.

Daily Life and Current State

Today, Cortina has few permanent residents—just a handful, part of Pietracorbara’s 663 inhabitants (2020)—but it comes alive in summer with returning families and visitors. The Petra Viva association organizes themed walks, often centered on water or hiking trails that lead from the hamlet to the ridges or former gardens. Cortina remains untouched by the modern urbanization affecting the plain, offering a raw and authentic experience. The surrounding trails, such as the one to Sisco via Santo Stefano and San Parteu, attract hikers who appreciate nature and history.

Why Visit?

Cortina encapsulates the essence of the Cap Corse: a hamlet perched like a balcony facing the sea, with intact architecture and a palpable history. Whether to visit the Saint-Césaire Church, stroll through its vaulted alleys, or hike to the summits, it offers a deep dive into the Corsican soul, blending tradition with breathtaking landscapes. A small curiosity—a mailbox with a schist door—adds a charming touch to this already rich place.