Mausoleum

Perched on the hills above Ghjunsani, Musuleu – Mausoleo is one of the oldest villages in Haute-Corse. With its legendary historical heritage and the A Cima rock towering over the valley, this mountain village invites nature and history lovers to immerse themselves in its world, where the paths retrace the area’s pastoral heritage.

Getting there

Between legends and monumental stone

The very name of Musuleu – Mausoleo – continues to inspire local tales. According to the Corsican chronicler Giovanni della Grossa, the village is said to have been founded two centuries before Christ by supporters of King Mausol who had been driven out of Spain.

As you venture into the village, the promontoryof A Cima rises up, having served as a natural stronghold. It enabled the village of Musuleu to survivenumerous invasions from 1234 onwards. A defensive refuge, it overlooks the Francione valley and is now crowned by an impressive balancing granite monolith, the famous “wobbly stone”.

The Paths of Pastoralism

Across the valley, several Genoese bridges serve as a reminder of the historical importance of travel between the mountains and the plains. The bridges at Alzello, Francione and Melaja once enabled shepherds and their flocks to cross the torrents of the Ghjunsani.

FromMusuleu, several routes still follow these ancient paths, offeringhiking or trail running opportunities that combine exploration with exercise.