The Church of Mercy

Situated on the hills above Fornole, a stone’s throw from Place Paoli in L’Isula – L’Ile-Rousse – the Church of La Miséricorde was the town’s second parish church after that of Le Scalu. It stands next to the former Franciscan convent, which now houses the Notre-Dame private school. More low-key than the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Place Paoli, it hosts the annual polyphonic singing concerts organised in L’Isula.

Getting there

Since 1844

The church was builtbetween 1848 and 1854. The Church of La Miséricorde, nicknamed ‘the monks’ church’ by the people of Île-Rousse, took over from the Church of Le Scalu as the town and its population grew.

Designed by Vincent Lottero, a renowned Corsican architect, it was consecrated in 1854 by Monsignor Casanelli of Istria. Its white façade and twin bell towers greet travellers arriving from the harbour before they enter the town.

Inside, its décor reflects a certain simplicity. Its vaulted nave and series of chapels feature some painted decorations attributed to Tony Cardella.

During the summer season, it is a popular meeting place for lovers of polyphonic singing during concerts by Balanin choirs.