Pioggiola

Situated on the outskirts of the village, the campanile – the bell tower of the Church of Santa Maria Assunta – overlooks the valley and still sets the pace of life in Pioggiula. The church, which houses the shrine of Saint Pancras, was once an important place of pilgrimage for the whole of Balagne.

It features an organ and a superb case, the work of master craftsman Anton Petru Saladini of Speloncatu – Speloncato –restored in 1994 by Master Sals. In mid-August, its three bells ring out during *I scontri di i Campanari* – the Corsican bell-ringers’ contest – and during the patron saint’s festival, accompanied by the voices of the *San Parteu* brotherhood, who perform the traditional sacred chants that have been linked to the village for generations.

Just a stone’s throw from the village, A Stazzona – the forge – stands out strikingly against this mountain landscape. Remarkably radical in design, the building takes the form of a large, clean-lined rectangular prism which, despite its modernist style, blends seamlessly into the landscape of theGhjunsani, thanks toits green roof. Built from Laricio pine, the building takes its name from the old forges where everyday tools were once made.

Today, the venue has become a cultural centre dedicated to theatre, artist residencies and performances from both here and abroad, organised throughout the year. Designed as a space for creativity and social interaction, A Stazzona is contributing to the cultural revival of the ‘ Ghjunsani ’ andhas become a popular meeting place for both locals and visitors alike.