Notre-Dame de La Serra, Catholic chapel on hilltop in Calvi, France
Notre-Dame de La Serra is a chapel perched on a hilltop above Calvi with sweeping views of the bay, the town, and surrounding mountains. The building holds a stone statue of the Virgin Mary and offers visitors a vantage point overlooking the Mediterranean coast and inland peaks.
The chapel was built in 1479 and sustained heavy damage during the English occupation of 1794. Major restoration work took place in the 1800s to repair and rebuild the structure.
The Virgin Mary statue carved into the rock has been a protective symbol for the city, and fishermen have sought her protection through prayer for generations. The chapel functions as a place where locals come to express gratitude and make personal devotions.
The path up to the chapel includes steep sections, so sturdy walking shoes and reasonable fitness are helpful for the climb. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best lighting and typically fewer crowds at this exposed hilltop location.
Fishermen traditionally left miniature wooden boat models inside the chapel as offerings for safe voyages at sea. This practice reflects the deep connection between the sanctuary and the seafaring community of Calvi.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
