Castello-di-Rostino: History, Architectural Heritage and Strada Paolina

Castello-di-Rostino takes its name from a medieval castle that now stands as a ruin on a rocky promontory above the Golo Valley.

When comparing a holiday apartment in Castello-di-Rostino, you can consider travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions together on the offer pages. For the desired travel period, these three details provide a clear framework for directly comparing different offers. The accommodation details describe the selected framework, while the castle ruins, museums, chapels, bridge and circular route remain separate points of reference for planning the trip and can be considered independently of one another.

Culture and History

San Tumasgiu de Pastoreccia is listed as a historic monument; the listing took effect on 10 February 1923. The frescoes preserved there are considered among the finest in Corsica. San Tumasgiu de Pastoreccia is located in the hamlet of Pastoreccia, a ten-minute walk from Castellu di u Pinzu.

On 8 May 1769, the decisive battle took place at Ponte Nuovo between the Corsican troops led by General Pasquale Paoli and the armies of the French King Louis XV.

Every year on the anniversary of the defeat, Ponte Novu holds colourful commemorative events at the damaged bridge arch. Below the Ponte Nuovo bridge, there is an esplanade with 13 panels about Corsica in the 18th century.

At the N193 in Ponte Nuovo, the A Memoria centre offers visitors interested in history audio guides about the history of the site. In Ponte Novu, A Memoria also includes a small museum dedicated to Pascal Paoli.

The Village de pierres, also known as Village imaginaire, is a miniature village with replicas of significant Corsican buildings made from Brando stone and lauze. The San Lorenzo Chapel has a vaulted interior with pilasters and a single altar.

Strada Paolina and Stages

The Strada Paolina is a 95.7-kilometre circular route along winding roads. The circular route begins and ends in Ponte Novu in the historic village of Castello-di-Rostino.

Along the Strada Paolina, panels at each stage provide information about the history of the places in French, Corsican, Italian and English. The route can be accessed on a smartphone via QR codes and a free app.

The Strada Paolina runs exclusively along roads that are sometimes narrow but considered passable. Length, road characteristics and the form of information provide different points of comparison for planning your own stages. The various formats can be assessed separately according to your preferred daily rhythm.

Trails and Events

The San Lorenzo di Frasso Chapel overlooks the Acqua Fredda stream, along which a hiking trail runs.

In June, Ponte Novu holds a weekend fair dedicated to fishing and hunting; the dates vary from year to year.

More local pages: Bastia, Riventosa, Tox, Ventiseri, Santa-Lucia-di-Mercurio, Pianello, Castirla and San-Nicolao.

Transport

Castello-di-Rostino is served by the Bastia–Ajaccio Corsican railway line; the station is located in Ponte-Novu.

For the higher-level travel overview: Haute-Corse.