SAN GAVINO DI CARBINI

San Gavinu di Carbini is a huge commune that extends from the plains to the mountains, where San Gavinu (the administrative centre) and the hamlets of Varadicciu (Gualdariccio), Giddu (Giglio), Sapara Maio are to be found in a forest environment made up of holm oaks and chestnut trees. The hamlets of Gjadda (Gialla), Araghju (Arragio) et Ribba are on the coastal plain, over 40 km away. These two populations, mountain and coast dwellers, are closely linked as a result of several centuries of transhumance, which used to punctuate the life and economy of Corsica. The history of San Gavinu has been marked by frequent armed uprisings: at the time of the Giovannali movement in the 14th century, during the fight against Genoese domination, against the army of General Morand during the conquest of the island at the end of the 18th century, under the Empire and most recently during actions by resistance fighters, who made their mark in the Second World War and whose struggle is remembered by everyone. Jean NICOLI, a hero of the Resistance and a native of San Gavinu, directed the main network on the island, "Front National" . He was arrested and executed by the Gestapo in 1943. In San Gavinu, which is spread over a large wooded hillside, old granite houses from the 17th century can still be seen. The names of the various quarters of Gavinu di Carbini are: CHIESA, UCCEVO, POGGIU RIBELLU, GIOVAMPOLELLU.

THE PARISH CHURCH

The parish church of San Gavinu di Carbini was originally built in the Romanesque style but some of its features still remain enigmatic. An opening, now blocked up, adorns the outer side of the wall of the nave, on the north side, and is composed of an elegant arch, fragments of a Corinthian capital and, above the column on the right can be seen the symbolic acanthus leaf. Architectural elements of such purity in these rustic walls are both unusual and unexplained. A small human head with a fixed stare figures above the pediment of the south wall; its origin is unknown. It is thought by some, who give no details, to symbolise justice. The church is austere in aspect, its imposing granite bell tower with several levels is separate from the church and is a recent construction: until then the bells were hung in the neighbouring elm tree. The outer wall on the south side is entirely heterogeneous. This absence of unity, which has not been masked by the patina accumulated over the years, is testimony to a tormented past.

I STANTARI

Between San Gavinu di Carbini and Paccionitoli (Zonza commune), north of the D67 road on the PIANU DI I STANTARI, there are several remnants of menhir alignments. Each menhir presented its flat side to the rising sun. Several menhirs have been identified and numerous fragments are scattered around.

THE CASTEDDU SALISEU

To the north of San Gavinu di Carbini, the prehistoric site of Casteddu Saliseu, sometimes pronounced "Sadisè", was used by the lords of Biancolacci to fortify their position towards the year 1000 and until the 14th century .

THE CASTEDDU DÕARAGHJU

The hamlet of Araghju is situated to the far east of the Commune of San Gavinu di Carbini; the easiest way to reach it is to take the RN 198 from Porto Vecchio and follow this to the north until just past la TrinitŽ. Then take a road that runs towards the west for 3 km. The whole structure appears to be a circular fortified wall with a diameter of nearly 40 meters, 2 to 10 meters wide and sometimes over 4 meters high, with two monumental entrances covered with large slabs. Inside, remnants of fireplaces have been brought to light. There were no living quarters in the Castellu d' Araghju, so the fireplaces only indicate the presence of watchmen. The empty space inside was intended to serve as a refuge for men and livestock in case of danger. The village that was protected by the Castellu d' Araghju was situated at a quarter of an hour's walking distance and was perfectly visible from the stronghold. This type of settlement testifies to the far-reaching changes that appeared during the Bronze Age in Corsica and evidences the preoccupation with security. At that time perched villages with strong walls started to be built: the "Casteddi" which overlooked the extensive cultivable areas or were located in strategic points. Araghju combines both characteristics. The architecture of Araghju is spectacular and gives a very clear idea of the way in which settlements were organised at the time.

THE CASCADE

Along the Ospédale road, 900 meters from the dam, there is a path leading down to PISCIA DI GHJADDU. This is a natural phenomenon bordering the path that leads to the hamlet of Ghjadda; a magnificent series of pools have been carved out here by the torrent and are surrounded by very smooth walls and a beautiful waterfall that is over 50 meters high.