Pont de Zaglia

Pont de Zaglia is a stone Genoese bridge in Évisa, Corsica, spanning the Spelunca river exactly where the communes of Ota and Évisa meet. It stands at the heart of the Gorges de la Spelunca, one of the most distinctive landscapes of western Corsica, close to Porto and the GR20 trail.

Where is Pont de Zaglia located?

The bridge sits in the eastern part of the Spelunca valley, right on the administrative boundary between Ota and Évisa (coordinates: 42.25013, 8.77614). The gorge that hosts Pont de Zaglia cuts deep through granite rock, forming one of the best-known hiking corridors in the Porto region. The surrounding area falls within the UNESCO-listed zone recognized for the exceptional scenery of the Gulf of Porto and its mountains.

What is the history behind the bridge?

Construction was first planned in 1712, but the bridge itself was only completed in 1797. It was built by the Genoese master mason Antonio Bensa. The bridge was meant to ease the movement of transhumant shepherds, who drove their flocks seasonally between mountain and lowland pastures, as well as local residents dealing with a shortage of farmable land. Since June 26, 1990, Pont de Zaglia has been listed as a historic monument, confirming its significance to Corsican heritage.

How is the bridge built?

Pont de Zaglia is a single-arch structure: its abutments rest directly on the jumbled rocky riverbanks rather than on built foundations. This design responds to the torrential, seasonal nature of the Spelunca's flow and that of its tributaries, including the Tavulella stream — the bridge had to withstand sudden, powerful surges of water. The deck curves upward in the shape of a donkey's back and is paved with river stones, flanked on both sides by parapets built from long stone slabs. This form is typical of the Genoese bridges built across Corsica during the island's period of Genoese rule.

How can visitors reach Pont de Zaglia?

The bridge is reached on foot via trails running through the Gorges de la Spelunca, a popular route for visitors exploring the Ota-Évisa-Porto area. The approach crosses rocky, at times demanding terrain, making it a destination that appeals equally to history enthusiasts and hikers drawn to the mountain scenery of western Corsica.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built Pont de Zaglia and when? It was planned in 1712 and built in 1797 by the Genoese master mason Antonio Bensa.

Where exactly is the bridge located? Pont de Zaglia spans the Spelunca river on the boundary between the communes of Ota and Évisa, within the Gorges de la Spelunca in western Corsica.

Is Pont de Zaglia a protected monument? Yes, it has been classified as a historic monument since June 26, 1990.

What was the bridge originally used for? It was built to help transhumant shepherds and local residents move across the gorge more easily, at a time of limited access to farmland.