bed & breakfast in cap corse with an outstanding view

Why did you settle in this region, in this place and not elsewhere ?

The Palazzu Nicrosi is our family home. It was passed on to us by our grandfather, Pierre-Marie Nicrosi, who made his fortune in Alabama in 1852. The Palazzu Nicrosi has been owned by the same family for over a hundred and forty years; we are the fifth generation of homeowners.

What specific architectural features does your building have ?

The Palazzu Nicrosi is an American-style home, typical of the Corsican Cape. Around eighty of them were built by Corsicans returning here from the Americas after making their fortune. The Palazzu Nicrosi is a beautiful example of neo-classical Tuscan architecture, with mouldings on the facade and a perron supported by four columns. Unlike the more traditional Corsican housing, the facades are whitewashed and the roofs are topped with Roman tiles.

What is its history ?

The Palazzu Nicrosi is the consecration of a young Corsican man's dream - Pierre-Marie Nicrosi left at the age of fifteen to make a fortune in the Americas in 1852. A life of labour awaited him in Montgomery, Alabama, after several weeks at sea. In order to leave this island and reach the Southern States, Pierre-Marie was forced to become a sailor. Pierre-Marie left the ship as soon as he arrived at his destination, by doing so he broke away from his commitments and it was impossible for him to embark on a return trip. His exile meant he was not called up for military service in France. In spite of himself, he had become a deserter and could not return to his country before the age of thirty. Pierre-Marie met his cousin, Mathieu Strenna, in Montgomery where he owned a tea room. They then opened a "super-service" which was revolutionary for its time, customers could serve themselves and use the wicker baskets at their disposal. After facing the throes of the American Civil War, he returned to Corsica in 1874. He challenged himself to building a larger palazzu than Mathieu Strenna who had returned a few years earlier. And so, the Palazzu Nicrosi was born. It was built to symbolise Pierre-Marie's success and to protect a large family. For one hundred and fifty years, the Palazzu Nicrosi has been the most beautiful of the iconic American houses on Cap Corse.

What can you offer people staying with you ?

A timeless stay in an unspoilt setting facing the Mediterranean Sea and the Italian islands, with a breakfast of local, organic products. In the Palazzuet cellar, guests can discover the wine cellar of Clos Nicrosi. In the evening, we open a cosy bar. A delicatessen offers authentic specialities from Cap Corse. A business centre is also at their disposal.