Alata is a coastal town of South Corsica, about ten kilometers north of Ajaccio. The municipality has a vast territory (30 km²) stretching from the sea, to the west, to the mountain massifs of Punta di Pozzo di Borgo and Punta Mora, to the east.
The village itself is 400 m above sea level, and many hamlets dot the maquis and surrounding valleys covered with oak forests.
Former bastion of the family of Count Charles André Pozzo di Borgo, cousin of Napoleon I of which he was also the sworn enemy, Alata has preserved its natural and rural setting.
Agricultural activity persists, even though, after having been impacted by rural exodus at the beginning of the 20th century, the development of tourism and the proximity of Ajaccio have resulted in a significant population growth, with close to 3,200 inhabitants today Against less than 500 in the aftermath of the Second World War.
However, the development of residential areas has not affected the authentic character of the village and the hamlets, and the historical heritage as well as the rich natural environment of Alata make it a step or a place of stay always appreciated.
In terms of built heritage, one can visit with interest the parish church of San Benedetto, in the hamlet of the same name. It has a bell tower and dates back to the 19th century, but was rebuilt on the site of an older chapel (14th century) that could have been part of a small monastery where there are no traces left.
Between the center of the village of Alata and the hamlet of La Sarra, the church of Saint-Pierre-des-Liens was erected between the late 16th and the beginning of the 18th century. In Pisan style (Italian), it is decorated internally with paintings and frescoes inspired by Raphael. The oak wooden tabernacle is also to be seen on the altar.
But it is the castle of La Punta which remains the most notable patrimonial element of the village. It was erected at the end of the 19th century by the descendants of Charles André Pozzo di Borgo, who remained loyal to the Bourbon, thanks to stones from the Tuileries Palace transported to Corsica. One reads on a plaque: "Jerome, Duke Pozzo di Borgo, and Charles, his son, built this building with stones from the palace of the Tuileries, set on fire in Paris in 1871, to preserve to the Patrie Corsica a precious memory Of the French Fatherland, the year of the Lord 1891. " More specifically, the Bullant Pavilion has been restored. In 1978, a fire destroyed the structure and roof of the castle, resulting in its closure to the public. Purchased in 1992 by the Department, as well as the 40-hectare park that surrounds it, the building has been the subject of security work but more complete restoration work has yet to be initiated.
Washrooms, fountains and fortified houses are also to be observed on the commune. These elements of small heritage mark two hiking trails designed by the municipality. Brochure and information on +33 4 95 25 33 76.
Other paths also requiring a certain physical form (the highest point of the locality is 782 m) and circuits suitable for mountain biking are possible. For more information, please call +33 4 95 51 53 03.
During these walks more or less sporting, many panoramas on the interior massifs of the island and on the sea are offered to you.
The opportunity to grow to the beach of Lava, within the homonymous gulf, composed of sandy beaches and creeks. A remarkable site protected for its biodiversity (dunes) under Natura 2000. Although bordered by a holiday center, the beach is monitored and allows you to bathe in peace.
To discover the local products (cheeses, biscuits...) and local crafts (leather), a market of producers and craftsmen gathering about twenty stalls is organized once a quarter. Information on +33 4 95 25 33 76.
At the end of June, the Saint-Jean des Poètes organizes two-day meetings and readings with authors, concerts and fireworks in a friendly atmosphere in the hamlet of San Benedetto.
