CARGIACA

The village, situated to the far north-east of the Tallano region, is built on the slopes of a steep valley, where the river narrows into a gorge with steep contours. This area, which forms the boundary between the former parishes (pièves) of Tallano and Scopamena, shows signs of a certain prosperity due to its olive production and the gardens developed on the rich alluvial lands. Its highest point, to the north of the commune, lies slightly above the thousand-meter high PUNTA DI U CARBONE. Squat houses that used to belong to the shepherds alternate along the road with the facades of larger houses ("Casone"), which are decorated with cornices, corbels, lintels and balconies. In the lower part of the village the foundations of several houses appear to go back to the 15th century.

At about 600 m to the east of the village there is a rock which, according to tradition, marks the spot where a castle called CASTEL DELLA ROCCA used to stand (this in turn faced a tower built in the locality of Puzza).

The magnificent parish church

which was restored in the 17th century, is dedicated to the Apostle St. Paul (tfeast day June 30th). Beside the church stands the elegant, tall bell tower, with a lantern adorned by carefully assembled granite stones.

From the graveyard which lies at the summit of a long ridge, the view is unimpeded on all sides. To the north lies the hamlet of Zizzi, reputedly named after General Zizzoli who is supposed to have buried a treasure there during a battle.