Gorges de la Spelunca, Schlucht auf Korsika
The Gorges de la Spelunca is a deep granite canyon located between the villages of Ota and Évisa in Corsica, with pink walls rising more than 500 meters above the Porto River. An old mule track stretches over 2 kilometers through the gorge and is marked with orange blazes to guide visitors along the river.
The gorge was carved by the Porto River over centuries, becoming a vital trade route between isolated mountain villages in Corsica. Two historic stone bridges from the 18th century, Ponte di Pianella and Ponte di Zaglia, demonstrate how past builders engineered passages through this difficult terrain.
The gorge has served as a passage for local communities for centuries, with the old mule track still connecting the villages of Ota and Evisa. This historic route reveals how people once moved through the rugged landscape, making it a visible reminder of past ways of life.
The trail begins near Evisa with free parking available, though it fills quickly during July and August, so arriving early is wise. The route requires no technical skills and covers about 4 kilometers with only 160 meters of elevation gain, making it accessible for most visitors.
An often overlooked feature is the remnants of an old mule-driver's yard, a simple shelter that once housed animals and their handlers during journeys. This hidden site offers a rare glimpse into the daily life of people who relied on these routes centuries ago.
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