Couvent Saint-Dominique, Corbara (Corsica)

Check in: 15:00 (3:00pm) - 18:00 (6:00pm) (arrivals may be allowed outside this window if your travel plans can't be adjusted however this is subject to availability)

Check out: 08:00 (8:00am) - 15:00 (3:00pm)

History

Saint Dominic Convent: six centuries of influence

On the site of a former abbey, an orphanage was built in 1420 by Mgr Nicolas Savelli, bishop of Tino. It was in 1456 that this place truly became a Franciscan convent and that for three centuries.

The French revolution of 1789 put an end to this religious presence. The places were looted and the monks expelled in 1791.

From 1856 to 1860, Fathers Besson and Bourard, Dominicans, rehabilitated the convent of which only the church, its steeple and the wing overlooking the plain of Aregno remained. In 1861, Father Cormier arrived as prior. He was elected in 1904 master general of the Dominican order and was beatified on November 20, 1994 by Pope John Paul II.

In 1880, Father Didon, a Dominican from Paris, was sent there in exile (Guy de Maupassant visited him). In a letter to Flaubert's niece, he wrote: "I have never seen Christ closer than here". In 1884 the convent became a center for training and then welcomed more than 80 Dominicans.

In 1903, the religious were expelled again and the convent became the property of the municipality of Corbara and housed up to 800 German and Austro-Hungarian civilian internees during the First World War.

In 1927, with the return of the Dominicans, the building once again became apostolic and a place of retreat. Alain Peyrefitte wrote part of his book "le mal français" there and will be honorary president of the association "Le Ritiru" which supports the convent.

In 1986, the west wing of the building was devastated by the flames of a gigantic fire that devastated more than 3,000 hectares in Balagne.

In 1992, the last two Dominicans left the convent, giving way to the Brothers of Saint John who had arrived two years earlier.

Other facilities

Guided tours of the convent take place every day at 3:00 p.m. except Monday.

Anyone wishing to meet God, deepen their faith or seek the truth is invited to retreats or sessions. So you don't have to be a believer. However, it is necessary to indicate your religious convictions in order to better welcome you.

If you want personal support during your stay, the Brothers are at your disposal.

Non-exhaustive list of things to take away:

• Fitted sheet and top sheet or sleeping bag (pillowcases provided)
• Towel and toiletries
• Walking shoes