GrossaA hamlet of golden granite houses

Grossa

Perched to the west of Sartène, in the heart of the Sartenais Valinco region, the village of Grossa is a little-known nugget to be discovered off the beaten track. Nestling in the generous Corsican scrubland, this typical little village exudes authenticity, serenity… and a fascinating history.

Getting there

Contents

The story

A rebuilt village

on the ruins of the past

Be amazed by the golden granite architecture of Grossa, a testament to the resilience of a village rebuilt stone by stone after the devastation inflicted by Barbary pirates in the Middle Ages. The inhabitants salvaged materials from the ancient ruins to build their village anew, in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.

⛪ A fervent religious heritage
In the heart of the village, don’t miss the church of Santa Maria Natività, built in the 19th century. This sober, elegant place of worship embodies the fervour and attachment of the locals to their roots.

A little further on, on the Grossa plain, stands a rare architectural treasure: the chapel of San Ghjuvanni Battista, the only example of Pisan architecture in southern Corsica. Its refined Romanesque style and ancient lines make it a true heritage masterpiece.

A GROSSA - GROSSA

The village is situated in the west of the Sartène and is surrounded by the lush vegetation of the maquis. The gilded granite architecture of the old ruins of the village,...

A little further on

Alò Bisujè website,

Discovering prehistory

For those with a passion for history and mystery, an exceptional site awaits you: Alo-Bisujè. Discovered in 1963 and set in the heart of nature, this site is home to the remains of the island’s heritage, bearing witness to human occupation of the territory over thousands of years. A walk through the scrubland will lead you to these forgotten traces of a distant past.

🧐 Did you know?

🔹 The inhabitants of Grossa are called Grossitains and Grossitaines. A rare and little-known gentilé, just like the village itself, discreet and full of character.

🔹 The name Grossa is thought to come from the Corsican word “grossa” meaning big stone or stony ground, in reference to the massive rocks that make up the landscape and the houses in the village.

📍

Need more information?

To organise your visit to Grossa or discover other ideas for walks, don’t hesitate to drop in at the Propriano and Sartène Tourist Office. Our teams are on hand to advise you.

Sartenais Valinco Taravo Tourist Office

Corsica's origins