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Origin and history

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption of Lucciana, also known as the Canonica Church, is an ancient Catholic cathedral located in Corsica. Founded in the 11th century on Mariana's site, it was consecrated in 1119 by the Archbishop of Pisa. According to tradition, it was built by Hugues Colonna after a victory over the Saracens, in honor of the Virgin.

The diocese of Mariana, one of the oldest in Corsica (Vth century), became suffragan of Pisa in 1092. The cathedral, Romanesque architecture, was partially rebuilt (Gothic master altar, Renaissance facade). In 1130, the diocese was attached to Genoa, then merged with that of Accia in 1563 before being abolished in 1570 for the benefit of Bastia.

Ranked a historic monument in 1886, the building retains a basilical plan and well preserved medieval elements. Today it houses a statue of Saint Devote offered by Prince Rainier III of Monaco (2003) and a Christ in contemporary bronze. Since 2002, it has been the seat of the titular bishop of Mariana.

The site of Mariana, formerly Roman colony founded in 93 B.C., bears witness to an early Christian settlement (paleo-Christian complex of the fourth century). The church, a communal property, remains a symbol of Corsican religious and architectural heritage.

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