Want to discover the history of Corsica, its vestiges and its mysteries, pass through Balagne and make a stop in the abandoned village of Occi near Lumio near Calvi. Also called “ghost village”, this place will fascinate you. Although deserted, the hamlet is still protected by “the Occi Protection Association; Occi, paese rinascitu” which is committed to ensuring that the village is accessible only by easy footpaths for a half-hour stroll.
The village of Occi, a refuge village in the Middle Ages
This hamlet is said to have had its roots in the Middle Ages, dating back to 1589, but its foundation is estimated to have been in the 14th or 15th century. A time when the Saracen attacks of the Middle Ages devastated the coast of Corsica, this village allowed the inhabitants of the place called Spano to take refuge there. A few decades later, Occi was abandoned in favor of the town of Lumio. A protected place, its reconstruction was largely financed by private donations.
You can stroll through the heart of the Occi ruins between the granite houses and gather during masses still celebrated at the Annunziata church, renovated in 2002.
You will enjoy the panoramic view of the valley below and the sea and the marina of Sant Ambroggio.
The trails to access the abandoned village of Occi:
To get to Occi, 3 trails are available to you, accessible to all. Whatever path you choose, this easy walk is accessible with children.
– the first is located a few meters away, on departmental road 71 which connects Lumio to Lavatoggiu but its maintenance is not regular; the path is partly paved and climbs gently.
– The second, the longest and most difficult, begins at the Notre Dame de la Stella chapel between Capu d’Occi and Capu Braccaghju.
– Finally, the third starts from the hotel-restaurant Chez Charles at the northern entrance to Lumio, it is the best maintained and the most used.
On average, 20 to 30 minutes of walking are necessary to reach Occi.
