Pastricciola is a commune of Corse-du-Sud, about 60 km northeast of Ajaccio.
The vast territory of the locality is located in medium and high mountain, on the flanks of the Monte Rotondo massif, and the highest point is at 2254 m, Punta (peak) of Migliarello.
The village itself is established at some 600 m altitude, consisting of several hamlets spread out in the valley of the course of Cruzzini, which has its source in the town.
A first hamlet would have been razed by the Genoese in the sixteenth century and shepherds have refounded the village. In addition to pastoralism, the activity was long linked to a large chestnut grove and wood crafts.
Pastricciola has paid a heavy price for the rural exodus. The commune had more than 1300 inhabitants before the Second War, but there are now a little less than a hundred permanent residents.
Pastricciola is included in the perimeter of the Regional Natural Park of Corsica and located on the route of the famous GR20. Its natural environment and hilly, chestnut woods and pine forests remain the main asset of the town that legitimately attracts walkers and hikers in the summer.
In terms of built heritage, a step to Pastricciola must include the Saint-Michel church, at the exit of the main village, at Ugnica. The building was rebuilt in the early 1940s and has especially recently benefited from a restoration of its spectacular frescoes by contemporary artist Mario Sépulcre.
More modest, the church of Sainte-Marie is also worth a look, as nestled among the oaks in the hamlet of Capezze.
A stroll in the alleys of the village and hamlets also allows to admire many old houses or restored sheepfolds. Some houses date from the eighteenth century, as in the center of the main town where one of them has a carved head that represents the face of Pascal Paoli, figurehead of the Corsican nationalist movement in the eighteenth century. According to historians, this ornamentation would mean that the village had rallied to its cause.
This is its great natural heritage that makes the reputation of the town.
Hikers are kings and can have many routes through woods and pastures, the entire territory is dotted with small streams that then flow into the course of Cruzzini.
To honor all honor, the famous GR 20 which crosses the Island of Beauty from North to South via its mountainous peaks passes by Pastricciola. Attention, the GR 20 is reserved for experienced hikers, including in summer.
There are however less challenging trails and possible walks, but in any case, it will be necessary to learn about the reliefs and difficulties, as well as the weather, even in July and August.
Among the most popular paths, the one taking the old transhumance route from the Oreccia pass (1450 m) to the plain of Liamone.
For hiking, documentation and information at the Natural Park (who designed and marked thematic routes) at +33 4 95 51 79 00 or +33 4 95 51 77 77.
In summer, in warm weather, it is possible to swim in the waters of Cruzzini.
Feast of August 15 at the chapel of St. Mary (religious office and entertainment friendly).
End of September, St. Michael's Day. Friendly entertainment, prom.
