Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Cathedral of Sainte-Marie de Nebbio, located in Saint-Florent, Upper Corsica, was built in the 13th century on the site of an ancient Paleo-Christian basilica. It became the seat of the diocese of Nebbio until its abolition in 1789, the date of its attachment to the diocese of Ajaccio. Since 2002, it has been home to the titular bishopric of Nebbio. Its Pisan Romanesque architecture, typical of the period of Pisan domination in Corsica (from the 11th century), is characterized by elaborate archatures, a semicircular apse and carefully cut white limestone apparatus. The western facade, decorated with two floors of archatures and carved capitals, reflects its medieval importance.

Nebbio's history dates back to at least the 12th century, although documents from 1138 and 1145 refer indirectly to it. In 817, the city, then occupied by the Saracens, was taken over by the Christians after a naval battle in the Gulf of Saint-Florent, led by Count Ugo and the Count of Barcelona. The Maures converted to Christianity built a church dedicated to St Mary, according to Giovanni della Grossa's chronicles. The diocese of Nebbio covered five pièves (Canari, Nonza, Patrimonio, San Quilico, Santo Pietro) and its bishops, bearing the title of Counts, combined spiritual and temporal powers, symbolized by weapons on the altar.

The cathedral houses the relics of Saint Flor, a Roman soldier martyred in the third century, whose shawl is celebrated every three years during a solemn procession since the eighteenth century. Ranked a historic monument in 1840, the church is distinguished by its absence of bell tower and defensive elements, such as window-murder and bolt holes. Prosper Mérimée noted in 1840 a local legend according to which three holes in the north wall would exhale a smell of violet on the day of Saint Flora, although he did not perceive any. The interior, sober and not vaulted, keeps an apparent frame and teghje (lauze) on cover.

The building contains four classified works, including a painting of The Virgin with Child (17th century) and a statue of Saint Roch (18th century). Its plane, similar to that of the Canonica, includes a central nave flanked by low side and an apse oriented to the east. The lateral facades, pierced by murderers, and abside decorated with archatures on cylindrical columns, underline its dual religious and defensive role. The cathedral thus illustrates the Pisano-corse heritage, mixing Italian influence and local traditions.

The Nebbio, both diocese and genoese province, had distinct boundaries according to its status. The bishops, like temporal lords, carried the sword in assembly and kept pistols on the altar at Masses. A bell dating from 700, discovered in the old campanile, would testify to Lombard domination, although its authenticity remains debated. Today, the cathedral remains a symbol of identity, linked to the traditional feasts in honour of Saint Flor, attracting pilgrims and visitors during the three-year celebrations.

External links