Vescovato is a perched medieval village in the Castagniccia-Casinca region of Haute-Corse. With its cobbled streets, Baroque church and remarkable historical heritage, this picturesque village won us over with its unspoilt authenticity.
Here’s our guide to the must-see places in Vescovato, Corsica, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Vescovato worth a visit?
The village of Vescovato is well worth a visit, especially for lovers of medieval history, religious heritage and unspoilt nature. This picturesque village in Haute-Corse takes you on a fascinating journey back in time.
It may not be in the best of shape, but it’s still one of the most beautiful villages in Corsica!
1. Stroll through medieval alleyways
We were charmed by the unique atmosphere of Vescovato’s cobbled streets, which date back to the 14th century. You’ll literally travel back in time to the Middle Ages. It is said that the bishop of Mariana, Opizo Pernice, found the spring so fresh and the place so beautiful that he built his residence here, the first house of the future village.
We recommend you take the time to stroll around the large, friendly, shady square, where the magnificent Eagle Fountain is enthroned. An emblematic symbol of the village since 1880, it is made of bronze by the famous Fonderie Ducel in Pocé-sur-Cisse, Indre-et-Loire.
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2. Discover San Martinu church and its passageway
The 14th-century church of San Martinu, dedicated to St. Martin, is a true gem of Baroque style. Behind its classical façade and campanile, lies a richly decorated interior with three naves. You’ll discover a remarkable 15th-century white marble tabernacle and high altar.
Be curious and explore its basement, where we found a medieval covered passageway, “a loghja”, carved into the rock.
3. Visit the A Memoria Museum
At the A Memoria Museum, you’ll find a fascinating collection of objects tracing the history of the commune. All were donated by local families. You’ll see the hammer and clock system from 1889, a mayor’s scarf, a school bench over 200 years old, and the mortuary carriage from the Cumpania di Santa Croce. The village also offers a digital guided tour, which we recommend. Armed with your smartphone, you can follow an exciting itinerary by scanning the QR codes scattered around the alleyways.
See the cars and offers available on our favorite platform.
4. Admire the Capuchin Convent
The Capuchin Convent, built in 1540 and dedicated to Notre-Dame des Grâces, is a listed historic monument. Founded by Father Antoine du Niolu, this convent was occupied by nuns until 1946 and consisted of 32 cells. We were struck by the eventful history of this place, which was later restored and used as a home for the gendarmerie. Now privately owned, you can admire its exterior architecture, which bears witness to the importance of religious heritage in the village’s history.
5. Fill up on nature
Once you’ve explored every nook and cranny of the village, why not take to the skies? We recommend the Vescovato mule track for a family-friendly stroll in the hills above the village. It offers a beautiful panorama of the eastern plain, Elba and the villages of Casinca. More information on the AllTrails website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Bastia
To enjoy the charm of this colourful, vibrant city, it’s best to spend one or more nights here! Our suggestions:
Option 1: in the lower center
We recommend..:
- Hôtel des Gouverneurs, in the citadel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Monsieur Miot and its beautiful decor – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: up-center
We recommend..:
- Hotel Le Bastia and its magnificent views of the city and the sea – see prices, photos and availability
Option 3: in the surrounding area
We recommend..:
- Hotel Alivi, north, with beach access – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Pineto in the south, along the sandy beach – see prices, photos and availability
See our list of the 10 best hotels in Bastia, with our reviews
Other attractions in and around Vescovato
We explored the area around Vescovato and discovered other interesting attractions to combine with your visit to the village.
A trip to the beach
The beaches of Cap Sud and Pinarello are less than 10km from the village. After visiting the town, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the pleasures of the sea.
Discover Bastia
Corsica’s 2nd largest city and capital of Haute-Corse, Bastia is a destination with character, developed by the Genoese as early as the 14th century.
It retains a delightful atmosphere of dolce vita.
Explore its different districts with their colorful facades, discover its Baroque churches and enjoy its panoramic views over the azure sea.
See our itinerary tips for a day out!
Visit Parc Galéa
Just 20 minutes from Vescovato, the Parc Galéa is a real favorite.
This vast space combines landscaped gardens housing a remarkable collection of 300 species of cactus, exhibition pavilions and museums dedicated to Corsican heritage. Its playful, accessible approach appeals to young and old alike, while lectures and projections enhance the visit.
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How to get to Vescovato + parking
Where is the village of Vescovato?
- In the Castagniccia-Casinca region of Haute-Corse
- Bastia: 30min drive
- Corte: 45min drive
Here’s a map to help you find it:
How to get there
Drive to Vescovato, the most practical way to explore the Castagniccia-Casinca region. We recommend this option, which gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding villages at your own pace.
Public transport is also available from Bastia. You can take the regional bus routes that serve the village. Find out more here.
Parking in Vescovato
There are two public parking lots in the city center.
Useful tips for visiting Vescovato
How long and when?
Allow half a day to explore the village.
If you’d like to add a walk to your program, plan a full day.
Spring and autumn offer the best weather conditions for visiting Vescovato.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
Start in the main square with the Eagle Fountain, then head for the San Martinu church. The cobbled streets can be slippery, so wear suitable footwear, especially as you’ll come across some steep streets and stairways.
Visiting with children
We haven’t spotted any special features, but they should enjoy discovering the village. A few educational panels will help you explain the village’s secrets to them!
Visiting Vescovato in winter
Winter brings a special atmosphere to the village, with fewer tourists. We enjoyed the peace and quiet of the medieval streets in the winter light. It’s also a great opportunity to find low-cost accommodation.
See the best rated accommodations around Vescovato.
Catering
We didn’t have time to try out the restaurants in Vescovato, but we do have a few addresses to recommend in Bastia.
Plan your trip to Corsica
Discover all our articles to make your trip a success!
- All our practical advice for a trip to Corsica – read
- How to get to Corsica – coming soon
- Which ferry to take to Corsica – read
- Rent a car in Corsica – read
- Where to stay in Corsica – read
- Driving in Corsica – read
- 3 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- 4 or 5 days in Corsica: where to go – read
- The most beautiful destinations in Cose – read
