Manso – Nature, Trails and Churches in Corsica

A perforated summit, deeply carved gorges and ancient trails give Manso in northern Corsica a distinctive profile. Capu Tafunatu is located in the Haute-Vallée du Fango within the municipality of Manso and reaches an altitude of 2,263 metres. At its summit lies a geological peculiarity: a natural opening through the mountain. When choosing a holiday apartment in Manso, this combination of altitude, rock and landscape provides a particularly tangible way to experience the place.

Nature in the Fangu Valley

The Fangu catchment area encompasses the regions of Falasorma and Marzulinu. Today, it remains largely untouched and is designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve. The Fangu River has carved gorges into rhyolite; there are also natural swimming spots along its course. This means that different landscapes coexist within the same natural area: the distinctive mountain peak, dark to reddish rocky gorges and the river with its swimming spots.

The trail to the former Santa Maria Monastery is also one of Manso’s special natural features. From there, a panoramic view opens up over the sources of the Fangu. The springs, the course of the river and the gorges each represent a distinct part of the Fangu area.

Ancient Trails and Traditional Crafts

The Caprunale Route preserves an ancient transhumance trail. It is connected with the traditional agropastoral practices of the shepherds from Niolu and thus highlights an important part of the history of pastures and everyday life.

The Chjassu di u Spagnolu was restored using traditional dry-stone walling techniques. It begins at the foot of the last house in a hamlet in the municipality of Manso. As part of the restoration, a cheese cellar for maturing was also renovated; its roof is made of compacted earth. Here, the route, masonry and cheese cellar combine the history of the trail with a traditional craft.

The Prunicciale circular hiking trail runs from Tuarelli through the Fangu Valley via Barghjana and Mont'Estremu to Manso. This sequence of places makes it possible to clearly distinguish the course of the hike from the shorter, locally focused trails and the historic buildings.

Monastery, Churches and Chapels

Santa Maria Monastery was founded at an altitude of 360 metres in 1230 and abandoned in the 15th century. Its history therefore dates back considerably further than that of the parish church of San Pancraziu in the hamlet of Barghjana.

The Church of San Pancraziu is located in the municipality of Manso and was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the residents of the hamlets of Barghjana and Montestremu. During the transhumance, shepherds came to this church to have their flocks blessed. The Chapel of San Petru di Chjumi is also one of Manso’s attractions.

On the respective offer pages, you will find travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions for a holiday apartment in Manso.

Other Places in Corsica

Bigorno, Castellare-Di-Casinca, Santa-Maria-Di-Lota, Talasani, Pancheraccia, Brando, Croce, Rutali

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