After completing a first phase of restoration work on the choir and the roofs of the collegiate church To Nunziata in the center of the village of Corbarait’s the convent’s turn Saint Dominic that an action is being taken for the conservation of this building. It is a question of restoring the roofs, the facades and the bell tower of the conventual church. “The renovation of the Saint-Dominique convent, dating from the 15th century, emblem of the Balagne region but with an aura throughout the territory of the island, is one of the many objectives set by the members of the municipal council of this new mandate”, says Paul Lions, the mayor of the village.
Concerned about its remarkable religious heritage, the municipality of Corbara continues its approach to safeguarding this cultural and tourist vector.
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“The Saint-Dominique convent has been marked by several historical periods, sometimes Franciscan, mostly Dominican, it was even an internment camp for Austro-Hungarian prisoners during the First World War and houses the brothers of the community of Saint -Jean since 1993. The convent is a place of life throughout the year with its masses, its retreats, its processions and welcomes during the summer season more than 130 people in spiritual search.It is also a cultural place because many polyphonic singing courses are organized there as well as concerts, conferences, sometimes exhibitions.A place which has also welcomed throughout its history many historical figures such as Pascal Paoli, Father Didon or Guy de Maupassant. It can be discovered during visits organized by the brothers on a daily basis. It is therefore our responsibility to ensure its preservation”. completes its culture and heritage assistant.
First presentation meeting
The renovation project of the Saint-Dominique convent is therefore launched. The first meeting bringing together all the actors was held a few days ago in the town hall of Corbara. The municipality, project owner, as well as the brothers of the community of Saint-Jean who have occupied the convent since 1993, attended the presentation of the project by the architecture and urban planning agency Orma Architettura. The agency and more particularly Alicia Orsini, reference person, heritage architect, representative of the team and specialized in protected monuments, has the mission of project management. The convent of Saint-Dominique de Corbara has been listed as a historical monument since 2011.
After a diagnostic phase, the amount of the work is estimated at around 874,000 euros, an amount reassessed since July 2022 by 8% due to the inflation currently experienced by the construction industry.
Work divided into two phases
This renovation operation is planned in 2 phases of work. Ten months of work are planned for the first phase, which will concern the work on the roof, the West facade (main) and that of the East facade. The start of the work is scheduled for September 2023. Phase 2 will concern the work on the bell tower (never restored since its origin), the protection of the lightning rod and the restoration of the bell electrification system. This tranche is planned for a period of 8 months.
Thierry Rovere, Corsican referent of the Heritage Foundation, was present at this meeting insofar as an online subscription is open and whose objective is to collect 100,000 euros. A sum which will supplement the subsidy of 75% of the project management and the work carried out, allocated by the Collectivity of Corsica. The municipality of Corbara already invites all benefactors, friends of the convent, faithful, who would like “putting their stone to the building” of this emblematic building in Balagne to make a financial gesture which will be added to the 30,000 euros already collected.
www.fondation-patrimoine.org