Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montserato

Chapelle Notre-Dame de Montserato is a Catholic chapel perched on the heights of Bastia with a neoclassical facade and a marble statue of the Virgin and Child dating to the 17th century. The building features a sacred staircase that visitors can climb on their knees while reciting prayers.

The chapel was founded in the 16th century and suffered extensive damage during a Genoese assault. It underwent complete restoration and received official monument status in 1995.

The chapel has long served as a gathering place where people come to seek spiritual comfort and express devotion. Visitors today notice how locals continue to visit regularly, making this space part of their personal faith practice.

The chapel sits on a hilltop and is accessible via a pathway with red steps leading up to the entrance. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and be prepared for the physical effort of climbing the sacred staircase on their knees if they wish to participate in the traditional devotion.

The chapel houses one of only ten sacred staircases in the world, where pilgrims ascend on their knees while seeking spiritual grace. This practice continues to draw people searching for a deeper religious experience.