Couvent Saint Dominique

The convent of Saint-François d'Aregno was founded by the Friars Minor of the Observance in 1456, representing one of the oldest convents in the Franciscan province of Corsica. During the French Revolution, the monastery's property became "national property". From 1857 to 1864, the Dominicans set about rebuilding the convent. The Dominicans restored it as a school for local children. Later, a philosophy and theology college was added for religious students from the PARIS province. After the separation of church and state, the Dominicans were expelled and the building became the property of the commune of Corbara. Left abandoned, German and Austrian prisoners were placed inside. Then, in 1927, the convent returned to Dominican hands for 66 years. In 1993, the friars of Saint-Jean took over the convent following the departure of the elders. Pasquale de Paoli took advantage of his many visits to gather his friends and advisors from the Balagne region. Illustrious figures such as De Didon, Peyrefitte, Roncalli and Maupassant have stayed here. It is thus a veritable emblem for the commune of Corbara.