30 kilometers south of Bastia, on the heights of the eastern plain in Upper Corsica, Penta di casinca stands proudly on its rock from which it takes its name. Indeed Penta comes from the name Pentone which means “large rock”. You enjoy a superb panoramic view of the entire Balagne region, its valleys and the sea in the background!
A listed village with a strong character
Penta di Casinca is the only village classified as a “Picturesque Site of the Corsica Department” on the island, since 1973. In ancient descriptions, it was already stated that Penta was one of the largest in Casinca and one of the best built in Corsica. Perched at an altitude of 400 meters, Penta presents an extraordinary landscape: the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, a remarkable built heritage, a preserved environment, the villages of: Loreto, Sorbo-Ocognano, Venzolasca and Castellare and the trails of hiking trails connecting certain municipalities of the casinca to each other.
The village is characterized by tall houses with slate roofs and carved doors. Ancient in design, the village is built along a main street with narrow cobbled streets passing under stone arches and opening in places onto small terraces with magnificent views! It was in this setting that one of the longest vendettas in Corsican history lasted, between 1789 and 1821.
Discover a superb panorama of the plain as far as Bastia as well as the islands of the Tuscan archipelago.
Stroll through its streets to enjoy its large stone houses covered with slate.
The Saint Michel church, in Baroque style, flanked by a square campanile completed in 1695, was consecrated in 1760 by Mgr Crescenzio de Angelis. It has been listed in the inventory of historic monuments since January 30, 1990. Continuing your visit to Penta, at the end of the village, you will find a sort of terrace/belvedere from where you will have a superb panorama of the coast, Bastia and the surrounding villages.
A tip: go there late in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful golden light and the breathtaking view of the eastern plain and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
