Initial construction XIe siècle (≈ 1150)
Building of the Romanesque chapel.
XVe siècle
Adding frescoes
Adding frescoes XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Wall paintings in the choir.
1587
Apostolic Visit
Apostolic Visit 1587 (≈ 1587)
Mention by Monsignor Mascardi.
16 octobre 1992
Historical Monument
Historical Monument 16 octobre 1992 (≈ 1992)
Official protection of the chapel.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
4e quart du XXe siècle
Restoration
Restoration 4e quart du XXe siècle (≈ 2087)
Works on facades and roofs.
Heritage classified
Santa Maria Assunta Chapel (Box A 206): Order of 16 October 1992
Key figures
Monseigneur Mascardi - Apostolic Visitor
Place the chapel in 1587.
Monseigneur Spinola - Apostolic Visitor
Omits the chapel in 1686.
Origin and history
The chapel Santa Maria Assunta, located in Pie-d'Orezza in Corsica, is a Romanesque building built between the 11th and 15th centuries. It consists of a unique nave extended by a semi-circular apse vaulted in cul-de-four, housing remains of frescoes of the 15th century, including representations of Saint-Thomas and Saint-Mathieu. These paintings, partially hidden under a bandageon, adorn the choir and testify to the artistic importance of the building at that time.
The chapel, isolated from the houses, served as an annex to the Pevian church Saint Peter and Saint Paul of Orezza, as mentioned by Monsignor Mascardi during his apostolic visit in 1587. However, it no longer appears in later reports, such as that of Monsignor Spinola in 1686, and is now used only for the Mass of the Assumption of the Virgin. The facades and roofs were restored at the end of the 20th century, ensuring its preservation.
Classified as a Historical Monument by decree of 16 October 1992, the chapel now belongs to the commune of Pie-d'Orezza. Its modest but characteristic architecture, as well as its medieval frescoes, make it a valuable witness to art and spirituality in Corsica in the Middle Ages. The location of the building, far from the village, suggests a role both religious and symbolic in the territorial organization of the time.
