San-Giovanni-di-Moriani is located at 500 metres above sea level and is part of the ancient parish of Moriani, of which it was the most important centre: even today you can admire its beautiful houses which bear witness to its past glory. The village is made up of six hamlets: Tribbiolu, Serrale, Serra, Reghjetu, Cioti and Casone. San-Giovanni-di-Moriani is the highest village in the region of Costa Verde, located between the sea and the mountains. For this reason, it is an excellent starting point for many excursions – you will find several hiking trails thought to allow visitors to discover the natural heritage of the island, including a very famous botanical trail.
This village has a very ancient history: an archaeological site was recently discovered on Monte Castellu Vechju. Archaeologists found pottery, flints and several engraved stones, whose the meaning is still a mystery to be solved. If you love walking, you can run into the cave of A Croce a u Zuccaru (900 m), which contains several prehistoric finds.
Art lovers can visit the parish church of St Jean (17th century) which is located in the heart of the village and which is classified historical monument. This church has recently been restored – you should take a moment to admire the altarpiece and the painting of the Annunciation – and is flanked by a 33-metre campanile... It is one of the treasures of Baroque art in Corsica!
There is a chapel in each of the six hamlets of San-Giovanni-di-Moriani, the most famous of which is the chapel of St Roch (Reghjetu, 16th century), which was an important pilgrimage site.
This village is located at 43 km from Aléria, at 50 km from Bastia and at 74 km from Corte. San-Giovanni-di-Moriani is crossed by the D34 road.
