CALDAREDDU
Pianottoli-Caldarello
A corner of paradise in the Mediterranean
Pianottoli-Caldarello is a charming village in the ancient Freto bay, formerly part of the municipality of Zérubia. Until 1921, the commune was known as Caldarello. Like its neighbours Figari and Sotta, it has many picturesque hamlets such as Viagenti and Caldarello, which border the sparkling sea of the Gulf of Figari.
The charm of granite and houses of character
These two villages, on the seafront near the Gulf of Figari, boast the traditional architecture of the extreme south of Corsica. The granite troglodyte houses, built around rocky chaos, were once used as dwellings.
The Genoese tower near Caldarello served as a defence post for the surrounding villages.
Recent research has highlighted the village's ancient origins, with close links to the city of Ficaria, mentioned by Ptolemy and located between Figari and Pianottoli. Archaeological discoveries have revealed evidence suggesting the presence of a Roman port near the point of Capineru. Coins bearing the effigies of Oriental and Mediterranean cities, as well as ceramics, testify to the economic activity that prevailed at the time.
Halfway between Pianottoli and Caldarello, you'll find the neoclassical parish church. Its original bell tower has recently been renovated. In the Middle Ages, every village had a "basilica", of which a few rare remains can still be found. To the south of the Caldarello tower, here you can see the ruins of an early Christian baptistery dating back to the 4th century, refurbished in the early Pisan period. The Pisan church, located at the entrance to the gulf, served as a landmark for sailors. According to local legend, a lost village even existed in the vicinity.
A natural setting between sea and mountains
The municipality of Pianottoli Caldarello also has a exceptional natural heritage. From the fine sandy beaches to the imposing peaks of the Massif de Cagna, here, nature displays a variety of flora and fauna, while the geology sculpts strange formations. The Omu di Cagna, culminating at 1,217 metres, watches over the municipality, which also has the Mònacu. This summit takes its name from a hermitage on the plateau, close to the Presaredda sheepfolds.
Nestled in the heart of the Bouches de Bonifacio Nature Reserve Pianottoli-Caldarello is a paradise for nature lovers. With its signposted footpaths, such as the sentier des Bruzzi, it offers a wealth of opportunities to explore this unspoilt reserve. Hikers who venture along these paths will discover a diversity of flora and fauna, testifying to the exceptional richness of this environment.
However, it is important to stress that this space is a fragile and precious ecosystem where every gesture counts. The waymarked trails offer hikers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a nature that is both diverse and vulnerable. It is therefore essential to follow these paths with extreme caution, taking care not to disturb natural habitats and respecting the strict rules established to protect this exceptional biodiversity.
By respecting these fundamental principles of conservation, we are not only preserving the natural beauty of this area, but also ensuring that these unique ecosystems will continue to exist for generations to come. The commune of Pianottoli-Caldarello invites you to join us in this commitment to harmony with nature, to preserve this natural treasure and guarantee its heritage for generations to come.
Come and discover the unspoilt beauty of Pianottoli Caldarello, where history, architecture, nature and legends blend harmoniously to create an unforgettable experience.
