Chjassu Maria Ghjentile

Park in the square of the former Saint François convent at the junction of the D82 road from Saint-Florent to Biguglia. Alternative route (D'/A') Poggio d'Oletta Town Hall car park, reached via the D38 road from Col de Teghime to Oletta.

The "Grand Site" signage consists of aged steel posts with the indication: Chjassu Maria Gentile and green explanatory panels for points of interest. If these are not present, follow the yellow paint markings to the next sign.

(S/E) Leave the convent square via Strada di u Cunventu, heading east. After the La Conca establishment, leave the road on the left and take the Concia path to the Mersulaccia fountain.

(1) Turn left. Continue following the signs for Monticello - Poggio, which complete the signage. At the highest point, reach the D38 road. Turn left towards Monticello and quickly left again to see the ruins of Maria's house. Then return to the D38 junction.

(2) Climb opposite towards Paese di u Poghju d'Oletta, via Via Maria Ghjentile. Leave the road at a sharp bend and take the Cullatella Ghjuvan' Martinu Olivacce stairs. At the end of the stairs, turn left, then right after about 50 metres. At the highest point, you will reach Piazza Gregorio Olivacce. Descend to the left towards the fountain and cross the car park to reach the town hall of Poggio d'Oletta, which is also the (D'/A') of the variant.

(3) Go up Via Maria Ghjentile, then turn right onto the path that leads to the San Cervone fountain and wash house. Continue along the path until you reach the Poggio d'Oletta road (D38).

(4) Cross it with caution. Continue downhill towards Oletta, staying on the right-hand side for safety, as the left-hand side is not paved. Pass the Salicetu fountain, then climb up to the left into the village via Traversa Martha Angelici.

(5) Reach the gate of the Church of Sant'Andria to discover the stele dedicated to Maria on the left. Then return to the middle of the square, go around the war memorial and descend towards the car park via the iron stairs. Leave the car park by going up the D38 for about 30 metres to find the entrance to the Concia trail.

(6) Follow the signs and descend to the first trail junction. Turn right to quickly reach a^second junction.

(7) Here you have two options:
- Alternative: hikers who are pressed for time can choose to turn right to reach the Fontaine Mersulaccia crossroads, saving an estimated 10 minutes maximum.
- Turn left tofollow the route on the map. At the lowest point, at a new crossroads, turn right. Follow the signs and continue towards the convent.

(8) Leave the track on the left and take the communal path towards "Couvent". At the lowest point, rejoin Strada di u Cunventu and follow it to the square of the former Saint François convent (S/E).

The Variant (D'/A') starts at the car park of the town hall in Poggio d'Oletta

Water points:
(S/E) Fountain in Oletta, church square, near the stairs leading to the car park
(1) Fountain in Mersulaccia, Concia trail.
(3) Fountain in Poggio d'Oletta on Cours Olivacce near the Town Hall.
(3) San Cervone fountain/wash house in Poggio d'Oletta after the Town Hall.
Before (S/E) Salicetu fountain, on the D38 road, before the entrance to the village of Oletta.

Shelters along the route, excluding churches and shops:
(S/E) Salicetu fountain shelter in Oletta.
(S/E) Shops in Oletta: Bar, restaurants, grocery store, hotel.
(3) Bus shelter in Poggio d'Oletta/Olivacce and San Cervone fountain shelter.

The story of Maria Ghjentile-Belgodère
On the night of 25 to 26 September 1769, Maria left her home in Monticello, Poggio d'Oletta, and took the communal path leading down to the Convent of Saint Francis in Oletta.
The day before, her fiancé and four companions had been found guilty of plotting against French troops. They were sentenced to death and executed, with their bodies denied burial.
Maria, aged 20, refused to abandon her fiancé's body and decided to defy the ban. At nightfall, she evaded the guards, recovered her beloved's body and buried it in one of the vaults of the Franciscan convent.
Beyond this incredibly courageous act, Maria presented herself to the authorities in order to turn herself in and clear the parents of the victim, who had been arrested as suspects in the theft of their son's body.
Impressed by the courage and sense of honour of this young woman, General DeVaux granted Maria his pardon and declared her free.

To see / To visit on the itinerary * / To visit with a detour **

• Former Saint Francis Convent
• House of Maria Gentile, hamlet of Monticello
• Rivarola Tomb
• Mount Tuda
• Panoramic views: the villages of Poggio d'Oletta and Oletta, the Nebbiu plain and Lake Padula, the Tenda massif, the Gulf of Saint Florent, the Patrimonio appellation vineyards, the hills and limestone cliffs of Monte Sant'Angelo
• San Cervone Church in Poggio d'Oletta*
• Ange Leccia Museum - Casa Conti - Oletta*
• Sant'Andria Church in Oletta*
• Museum of Sacred Art in Oletta **