If you’re a fan of ruins and history and happen to be passing through Balagne, you simply must stop in the hamlet of Occi. Located above the village of Lumio and not far from Calvi, Occi is a ghost town with an unusual past.
And the view from up there is magnificent.
Occi, an abandoned village with many treasures
Occi is one of those abandoned villages that hold a special fascination. Its history is said to date back to the Middle Ages, when Saracen raids ravaged Corsica, spreading terror and destruction. On the coast, the inhabitants of the hamlet of Spano took refuge in the hills and gradually settled there. By 1589, there were 150 people living in Occi, but 300 years later, in 1852, only about 60 remained. The hamlet was eventually abandoned in favor of Lumio; its last inhabitant, Félix Giudicelli, died there in 1918.
Today, we can explore the ruins of what was once a refuge for the islanders: granite houses weathered by time and even a wheat-threshing area. Among them, the Annunziata Chapel was renovated in 2002 thanks to private donations, and Masses are still celebrated there from time to time.
Although the area is now deserted, Occi remains a protected site under the auspices of the Occi Preservation Association (Occi, paese rinascitu), supported by the renowned Laëtitia Casta, a native of Lumio. As a result, the site is accessible only via hiking trails to prevent tourism from ravaging the area. It must be said that these ruins invite contemplation, and Occi offers a breathtaking view of the Sant Ambroggio marina and the sea stretching as far as the eye can see.
How do I get to Occi?
To get to Occi, walking is your only option, but don’t worry—the hike is relatively easy and will take you between 20 and 30 minutes. There are several trails you can take to reach Occi. The best-known one starts at the “Chez Charles” hotel and restaurant, at the northern entrance to Lumio. It’s well-maintained, and you’re sure to run into a few curious passersby along the way. In any case, that’s the trail my family and I usually take.
For a more rugged hike, another trail begins above the entrance to the “Panoramic” campground, located on Departmental Road 71. The climb is gentle, but be sure to wear comfortable clothing. Finally, for the more adventurous, take the trail that starts at the “Notre Dame de La Stella” chapel between Capu d’Occi and Capu Braccaghju.
For more information, contact the Occi Preservation Association using the contact information below:
- Tel.: +33(0)4.95.60.61.45. This ladylike design features a mid-height kitten heel.
- “Occi, paese rinascitu” Association – Caffè di a Mossa – 20260 Lumio
