Muro

Muro

Perched on the lower slopes of the Montegrossu massif, Muruoverlooksthe Reginu valley from a welcome vantage point. The village winds its way round the church of the Santissima Annunziata – the Annunciation – and is enlivened by narrow alleyways, covered passageways and gardens where citrus trees and olive trees flourish. A little higher up, the vegetation becomes more pronounced: the scrubland gradually gives way to holm oaks and chestnut trees, hinting at the mountainous landscapes.

Getting there

Getting up high

The name ‘Muru’ bearsthe mark of an ancient settlement, which local tradition links to the fortified site of Muru Vecchju – ‘old wall’ – situated on the hillside. Today’s village has chosen to settle further down the slope, amidst terraces that were once heavily cultivated.

Set against this rocky backdrop, the doorway of the Church of Santissima Annunziata opens onto a Baroque interior of great refinement. Above all, the building houses a major treasure of Balani musical heritage: an organ dating from 1796, crafted by the Lucca-based master Tommaso Pagnini. This historic instrument’s sounds continue to lend the place a special character.

The spirit of the Maquis in a bottle

This close connection with the surrounding natural world takes on a thoroughly contemporary form at the U Viaghju – ‘the journey’ – artisan distillery, part ofA Strada di l’Artigiani – the Artisans’ Route. Here, wild plants, fruit and the village’s harvest are processed in the distillery’s still.

Set amongst orchards, mountains and aromatic maquis, the workshop reveals the stages of distillation and the composition of its spirits. A very hands-on – and rather tasty – way of proving that the local flora has plenty to offer.