Couvent d'Alisgiani

Couvent d'Alisgiani (Cunventu San Francescu d'Alisgiani) is a Franciscan convent in the Alesani valley, deep in the Castagniccia region of the Piazzali commune in Haute-Corse. It is one of the oldest and historically most significant sites on Corsica's eastern side — a stone monastic complex standing alone among chestnut groves, off the main tourist routes but well worth the detour.

Who founded the convent, and when?

The convent was established in the 13th century by Jean Parenti of Florence, a member of the Order of Friars Minor. It was the fourth convent he founded on Corsica, after Nonza, Biguglia and Venzolasca, with its foundation generally dated to between 1236 and 1250. The name Alisgiani (Alesani in French) comes from the valley and river along which the building stands.

What role has the convent played through the centuries?

In the 14th century, the convent became the site of repression against the Giovannali, a movement of "spiritual Franciscans" locked in conflict with the bishop of Aleria.

The convent's best-known moment, however, came on 15 April 1736, when an assembly of Corsican clan representatives proclaimed Theodore von Neuhoff, a German baron, king of the island under the name Theodore I. The coronation took place within the convent walls — an episode still remembered as the island's short-lived but symbolically important attempt at independent kingship.

After the French Revolution, the convent suffered the fate of many religious institutions: a decree separating Church and State led to the expulsion of the Franciscans, and the building passed into state ownership before being sold off in 1864. Its fortunes shifted again in the 20th century, when Father Gabriel Poli was instructed in 1941 to reopen Alesani, returned to the Franciscans after a state seizure in 1905. Tragedy struck on the night of 17-18 December 1943: a violent storm brought down the bell tower onto the east wing, killing Father Poli as he slept.

What can visitors see inside today?

The convent's greatest treasure is a painting known as the "Vierge à la Cerise" (Madonna of the Cherry), a Renaissance work by the Sienese painter Sano di Pietro dating from the 15th century. The painting is listed as a historic monument in its own right, and each year on 8 September, the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin, it becomes the focus of a dedicated celebration.

The entire monastic complex — church, cloister, and convent buildings — was listed in full as a French historic monument in 1983. Since then it has gone through successive phases of restoration, supported in part by the Fondation du patrimoine and a local association dedicated to preserving the site.

How do you get there?

Couvent d'Alisgiani lies within the commune of Piazzali, in the Castagniccia region, deep inside the Alesani valley. The surrounding landscape is classic interior Corsica: narrow, winding roads through villages set among chestnut forests. The most practical approach is from Corsica's eastern coast, around Cervione or Aléria, from where the road climbs inland toward the valley.

When is the best time to visit?

The convent can be visited year-round, but it comes most alive around 8 September, the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin, when celebrations tied to the Madonna of the Cherry take place. Spring and autumn are also pleasant, given the milder climate typical of the Castagniccia hills.

Frequently asked questions

Who founded the convent at Alisgiani? It was founded by Jean Parenti of Florence, a Franciscan friar, sometime between 1236 and 1250 — the fourth convent he established on Corsica.

Why is this convent historically significant? It was here that Theodore von Neuhoff was crowned king of Corsica on 15 April 1736, and in the 14th century the site was the scene of repression against the Giovannali movement.

What is the main artwork to see inside? The "Vierge à la Cerise," a 15th-century Renaissance painting by Sano di Pietro, listed as a historic monument in its own right.

Is the convent still in use? Yes. After a turbulent history of confiscation, sale, and the collapse of its bell tower in 1943, the complex was listed as a historic monument in 1983 and is maintained today by a local association.