Arbellara (; in Corsican Arbiddali, pronounced [ar.bi.ˈɖːaː.li]) is a commune in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica. It is part of the micro-region of Viggiano in the north of the Rocca region.
Geography
Arbellara is located some 6 km east of Propriano and 2 km south of Fozzano. Access to the commune is by road D19 from Viggianello in the west which passes through the village then continues north to Fozzano. The D119 road goes south from the village then turns south-west to join the D69 which goes north-east then north to Loreto-di-Tallano. Apart from the village there is also the hamlet of Acoravo in the south-east of the commune at the intersection of the D119 and D69. The commune is mostly mountainous and forested.
The southern border of the commune is formed by the Rizzanese river which flows west to the Mediterranean Sea south of Propriano.Google Maps
History In 1583 the commune was pillaged and the inhabitants massacred by the Turks. After reprisals by the villagers, it was again pillaged by the Turks in 1584.
Administration
List of Successive MayorsList of Mayors of France From To Name Party Pascal Giustiniani 1983 1995 Jacques Rotily Forcioli DVD 1995 2008 Michèle Rotily Forcioli DVD 2008 2026 Marie-Antoinette Forcioli-Carrier DVD
Demography The inhabitants of the commune are known as Arbellarais or Arbellaraises in French.Le nom des habitants du 2A - Corse-du-Sud, habitants.fr
Culture and heritage
Civil heritage The commune has many buildings and structures that are registered as historical monuments: Houses (16th-19th century)Ministry of Culture, Mérimée The Spin'a Cavallu Genoese Bridge (16th century),Ministry of Culture, Mérimée a hump-backed bridge on the Rizzanèse river. It has been used as a special stage in the Tour de Corse.
Religious heritage The Parish Church of Saint Sebastian (18th century) is registered as an historical monument.Ministry of Culture, Mérimée The Church contains many items that are registered as historical objects:
An Exhibition (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Sunburst Monstrance (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Chalice with Paten (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy Stations of the Cross (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy The Furniture in the Church (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Sunburst Monstrance (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Chalice with Paten (1) (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Chalice with Paten (2) (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Christ on the Cross (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Salvator Mundi (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Saint Roch (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Saint Sebastian (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Virgin and child (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy A Statue: Saint Gavin (19th century)Ministry of Culture, Palissy
Environmental heritage The Marteau et l'Enclume (Hammer and Anvil), rocks dominating the heights of the commune.
Culinary Specialities Present day: sheep cheese, lamb milk. In the past: olive oil (oil press), vineyards (wine presses in homes). Blessing of the houses on Holy Saturday: the priest is offered eggs, ham, and sheep cheeses.
See also Communes of the Corse-du-Sud department
References
External links Arbellara on Géoportail, National Geographic Institute (IGN) website