THE CONVENT OF ST. FRANCIS
This historic convent, founded in 1485, is now abandoned, but a restoration program is planned.
Known as the "convent of Orezza", it was founded in 1485 by the Franciscans. Disused during the French Revolution, it regained its importance in the 18th century, particularly in Corsica's struggle against Genoa. Indeed, several consultative assemblies were held in the convent. In March and April 1731, Canon Orticoni and theologians met to debate the legitimacy of the revolt against Genoa. On April 20, 1731, they unanimously decreed that the Corsican cause was "holy and just". On January 30, 1735, the Orezza assembly (Sebastiano Costa, Luigi Giafferi and Giacinto Paoli) proclaimed Corsican independence. It placed the Corsican people under the protection of the Virgin Mary, and " Dio Salvi Regina " was adopted as the national anthem. Pope Benedict XIV sent the Franciscan Saint Leonard from Porto Maurizio to preach a mission against the blood feud that was ravaging Corsica. In 1751, a new constitution was passed. Jean-Pierre Gaffori was appointed General of the Nation and entrusted with executive power. In 1790, Pasquale Paoli and Napoleon Bonaparte met here. The convent housed the gendarmerie until the roof collapsed in 1934. During the Second World War, the Italians set up a food and ammunition depot, before the convent was bombed and virtually destroyed by the Germans in 1943. Abandoned, the convent is now in a sorry state, but a restoration program is planned.
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