Pieve di Falasorma

Perched in the upper Fangu – Fango – valley, Mansu comprises the hamlets of Barghjana, Montestremu, Tuarelli and Chiumi.

Dominated by the silhouettes of Paglia Orba and Punta Minuta, peaks within the Corsica Regional Nature Park, the village marks the entrance to one of Corsica’s best-preserved areas. The ancient transhumance trails still wind their way through the Piriu and Fangu forests, which form part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The convent of Santa Maria – Sainte Marie – and the church of Santu Petru de Chiumi – Saint Pierre – serve as a reminder of the historical importance of this valley, where shepherds used to stop off before heading to the mountain pastures.

At the mouth of the Fangu, Galeria showcases the maritime character of Falasorma: its fishing harbour, which is still in operation, and a coastline of volcanic rocks and dark pebbles. The Fangu delta is one of Corsica’s most remarkable natural areas. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve , it is home to a wealth of biodiversity, including the European pond turtle, the grey heron and the kingfisher.

Overlooking the gulf, the Genoese tower of Galeria was built in the 16th century as part of the coastal surveillance system established by the Republic of Genoa to defend against Barbary raids. Perched on a rocky promontory, it overlooked the sea and the entrance to the valley. It was partially destroyed at the end of the 18th century during the unrest that accompanied the Corsican Revolution. Today, its partially restored silhouette separates the marina from the village’s beaches.