Filitosa
Corse
Filitosa is a prominent prehistoric site located in southern Corsica, France, known for its extensive collection of megalithic statues and structures dating from the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age and beyond. Discovered in 1946, the site features carved menhirs-standing stones depicting human faces, armor, and weapons-thought to have been erected around 1500 BC. These statues were later toppled and reused by the Torrean people, who constructed circular stone towers called torri, possibly used as temples. The site encompasses a hilltop overlooking the Taravo valley, with well-preserved ruins including a central castellum with houses and towers. Visitors can explore hut platforms, alignments of statues, and a nearby granite quarry. Filitosa is considered one of the most enigmatic and beautiful collections of prehistoric art in the Mediterranean and is classified as a historic monument and part of a list of 100 historically significant Mediterranean sites.
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Tip: The best time to visit Filitosa is during the milder months of spring and autumn to enjoy comfortable weather and scenic views. It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes as the site includes uneven terrain and outdoor paths. Guided tours are available and recommended to fully appreciate the historical context and details of the statues and structures. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The site has informative signage and facilities to enhance the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •Filitosa houses about twenty menhirs, representing roughly half of Corsica's total megalithic statues.
- •The statues often depict armed figures with swords or daggers and helmets, showcasing early warrior symbolism.
- •The site includes a granite quarry from which the megaliths were extracted, visible behind an ancient olive tree over 2000 years old.
- •The torri structures are remarkably well preserved and might have served as temples or defensive towers.
- •The current arrangement of statues on site is a modern, tourist-oriented layout rather than their original prehistoric positioning.
History
Filitosa was first identified in 1946 by landowner Charles-Antoine Cesari and subsequently excavated from 1954 to 1972 by archaeologist Roger Grosjean.
The site reveals continuous human occupation from approximately 3300 BC through the Bronze Age and into Roman times.
Around 1500 BC, menhirs with carved human features were erected, later toppled and repurposed by the Torrean culture, who built circular stone towers known as torri.
The site was classified as a historic monument in 1967 and 1980 and recognized as one of the 100 historically significant sites in the Mediterranean region.
Place Guide
Central Castellum (Castellu)Bronze Age
A large enclosed space formed by massive granite blocks, featuring a central circular building surrounded by adjacent oblong houses with curving walls. The complex includes two towers at each end, with the western tower retaining ground-floor rooms and evidence of an upper floor.
Statues-MenhirsCirca 1500 BC
Massive carved standing stones depicting human silhouettes, often geometric in style, with detailed facial features such as eyes, mouth, nose, and chin. Many figures are armed with swords or daggers, and some wear representations of helmets and shoulder belts. The statues reflect complex prehistoric artistic and symbolic traditions.
Torri StructuresBronze Age
Circular stone towers built by the Torrean people after the menhirs were toppled. These structures are well preserved and may have functioned as temples or defensive buildings. They are key to understanding the site's Bronze Age cultural transitions.
Granite Quarry
Located behind an ancient olive tree, this quarry was the source of the megalithic stones used to create the statues and monuments at Filitosa. It provides insight into the prehistoric stone-working techniques and resource use.
Contact
Phone: 04 95 74 00 91
