Canal de la Gravona, 19th century canal from Peri to Ajaccio, France.
The Canal de la Gravona is a 19th-century waterway linking Peri to Ajaccio, consisting of an engineering network with numerous stone bridges and aqueducts. The system moves water through valleys and across difficult terrain using various architectural passages.
Construction started in 1864 to address water shortages for Ajaccio's growing population and was completed in 1878. The project represented a major infrastructure investment during the period when the city was expanding.
The canal represents a shared water supply system that linked communities together and enabled urban expansion. Today, the surviving stone structures reflect how engineering shaped daily life across several Corsican settlements.
The waterway stretches across several settlements and offers opportunities to walk alongside portions of the route in various areas. Wear sturdy shoes and be cautious on wet surfaces, especially near the stone structures which can be slippery.
The waterway was abandoned in 1995 when maintenance became too demanding, leaving the engineering works dormant for decades. Recent efforts now focus on studying how the historic structure could be restored for public visits and understanding.
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