This is the case of Cucuruzzu, which is situated in the south of the island, belonging to the municipality of Levie.
I remember my visit there, and I found the name itself just irresistible. ‘Cucuruzzu’ evokes rhythmic mystery to me, although very sweet-sounding.
It was during the second millennium BC that a citadel was constructed, to be abandoned within the third, leaving tremendous boulders, sometimes weighing over a ton. Composed of three elements; upon arrival, a narrow path through rock with walls reaching up to five metres at times, followed by the central piece composed of flat slabs which were probably a place of worship. Now, the whole is surrounded by a wall, sheltering houses where obviously much activity was carried out, and here we think of a grain mill and pottery production, associated with whatever the requirements of that moment were, within that particular age. One must imagine a fortress town, where the doings, comings and goings were, like many of them, often based upon production, commerce and survival, with the first remains being located dating back as far as the seventh millennium BC.
It was around 1959, renowned French archaeologist Roger Grosjean, who had taken a serious interest here, prepared for future digs to be conducted on this site, ending around 1964. His interest in historical Corsica was also shown at Filitosa, where he had previously conducted digs around 1955. Taken over by the state in 1974, this site was to be classified ‘historical monument’ in 1982 and restored for the public in 1991. Each are complimentary to each other, and here in particular, a beautiful setting of forests invite you to Bavella too.
When you grasp the opportunity to saunter through history, I find it is not uncommon to sense an almost ‘trespassing’ sentiment, but then I say to myself these dwellings call for recognition, admiration and everlasting respect, they must continue to survive through frequenting and narration thereafter. Always remembering how we hold the possibility to relay and instruct, and history always finds a way to unveil certain secrets.
A family day out, where your encounter with history will certainly not leave you insensitive.
Photo credit: Wikipedia
That forest walk looks incredibly inviting. Your article is awakening my love of archeology. Are they still doing digs there?
it is absolutely inviting Wen yes – am sure you would love that stroll through history too! no, the digs seemingly stopped when it was taken over by the state and ever since they keep it in ‘shape’ for the public, still have others to visit though within the island ..