Stroll through the narrow streets of Sartène | Propriano and Sartène Tourist Office in the Sartenais Valinco Taravo region

Stroll through the narrow streets of Sartène

Welcome to Sartène: stroll through its medieval quarter, its narrow cobbled streets, its historic heritage, its lively square… and discover this town that has retained its charm of yesteryear.It’s the ideal place to visit an authentic Corsican village.

A town with a rich past and a remarkable cultural heritage,Sartène reveals its secrets around the bend of picturesque lanes and discreet passageways.Every stone, every facade bears witness to its intense history, between traditions and a strong identity. All you have to do is look up and take your time: its architecture, monuments and famous Place Porta are just some of the treasures to be discovered. It’s no coincidence that Prosper Mérimée dubbed it “the most Corsican of Corsican towns”.

The most Corsican of Corsican towns

Between alleyways and legends, Sartène whispers its history to you

Before entering the heart of the historic and medieval quarter,stop off at Place Porta. It’s the perfect place to sit down at one of the many cafés that surround it and soak up the local atmosphere. Even today, this square, which the locals still call Place Porta, is home to an open-air market, every Saturday morning, summer and winter alike. You’ll meet passionate producers, true ambassadors of Corsica, who proudly share the flavours of their terroir, respecting the seasons.

Named Place de la Libération after General de Gaulle’s visit at the end of the Second World War, the square is also a place steeped in history. Dominated by the Genoese governors’ palace, now the town hall, it marks the entrance to the old town via “la Porta”, a former drawbridge, giving access to the cobbled streets of the old centre.

Not to be missed,the church of Sainte-Marie, which dominates the square. It housesthe cross and chain of the penitent used during the famous Good Friday procession, U Catenacciu – a high point in the island’s religious tradition, imbued with emotion and fervour.

Religious tradition

©S Week End De Paques Dl Bd Ld Sartene Jpeg 5

©Sartene church 768x1024 1|La Corse des Origines

The last bastion of a past under siege

The watchtower

As you stroll along, other typical alleyways invite you to discover: an old bread oven, small shady squares, the rue des Voûtes, the Place Paoli, and above all, the échauguette, a witness to the town’s defensive past.

Perched on a corner of the Pitraghju quarter with a square watchtower opening on three facades,the échauguette is an emblematic historic monument of Sartène. Built at the end of the 16th century, it is the last visible vestige of the defensive bastion that once protected the town.

It played a crucial role in 1583, when it raised the alarm against an attack by Barbary pirates from Algiers. Despite the vigilance of the sentries, the assault was brutal: more than 400 inhabitants were captured and reduced to slavery.

This typical small military building stands out for its sober but strategic architecture: three square watch openings, oriented to keep an eye on the surrounding area, and a fourth opening allowing level access from what was once a fortified garden – now the terrace of a restaurant. Its stone dome and cantilevered position on the surrounding wall make it a rare testament to Genoese-era defensive ingenuity.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, think about hiring an audioguide available from the Sartène Tourist Office: a great way to discover the town at your own pace.

I want to discover Sartène with the audio-guide!

©Sartene The Most Corsican Of Corsican Towns|©S.Leroy-Corse des origines

Egyptian houses

As you continue your stroll, don’t miss a surprising architectural feature: the so-called “Egyptian” houses. There are two such houses in Sartène. These unusual buildings, with facades decorated with oriental influences, are a reminder of the historical links between certain Corsican families and Egypt in the 19th century. A local curiosity that adds a touch of the exotic to Sartène’s authentic charm.

The “Maison Charles de Rocca-Serra”: surrounded by a garden, it stands beside the road on the Cours Gabriel Peri. It is an emblematic building of Corsican heritage, illustrating the history and architecture of the late 19th century. Its architecture is inspired by Tuscan palazzi, with elegant symmetry and a double-flight grand staircase.

The exterior of this private house (facades/roof – staircase) can be visited free of charge. The house is open from 24 July to 3 September.

The “Maison Philippe de Rocca-Serra”: On the Cours Bonaparte, not far from the Place Porta, stands this beautiful house dating from the 19th century, the former home of “Sgios” (lords, large landowners) bearing the coat of arms of the de Rocca Serra family on its façade. A high gate, a beautiful staircase and fine wrought iron balustrades give this building the air of a small palace.

This private house, although not open to the public, can be seen from the outside.

The Sartène Museum

Our favourite!

A journey through time in Corsica

Push open the doors of the Departmental Museum of Corsican Prehistory and Archaeology in Sartène, and let yourself be surprised. Here, each room takes you on a journey through millennia of history, from the first island peoples to ancient societies.

MUSEE DE PREHISTOIRE ET D'ARCHEOLOGIE

Questions about Sartène?

Where to start visiting the old town of Sartène?
The ideal starting point is Place Porta (now Place de la Libération), at the foot of the church. This is where the heart of the town beats, with its local market and traditional cafés.
Is there a guided tour of Sartène?
Yes, you can hire an audioguide from the Sartène Tourist Office to discover the town at your own pace, with commentaries on history, architecture and local anecdotes. We also organise guided tours on Wednesdays, and for children we offer a treasure hunt. Come and visit us at the Tourist Office
How long will it take to visit the narrow streets?
Allow around 1 to 2 hours to enjoy the old town at your leisure, taking the time to stop, photograph or sample a local speciality on the terrace.
Which monuments are not to be missed?
Don’t miss the church of Sainte-Marie, the watchtower, the bread oven, the Egyptian houses, the Place Paoli, the museum and the convent of Saint Damien. The built heritage is rich and tells the story of several centuries of history.

Gourmet breaks

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