Would you join me for a walk among the menhirs of Taravo valley on Corsica? The largest and the most famous megalithic site on the island, Filitosa, stretches on a hilltop of an ancient olive grove.
I knew I wanted to see Filitosa even before I came to the island. Seriously, if you had seen the advert “open air museum with stones cut and erected 8000 years ago” – would you have been able to resist your curiosity? I wasn’t and I am glad, even though it meant driving the whole day from the other side the island and arriving only 40 minutes before closing time; I have to say that visiting Corsica without stopping by this Neolithic wonder would not have been a complete experience. Here are some snaps of what I saw there:
What does this one remind you of? I am asking cause I can’t decide.
Megalith known as Filitosa V
Here it is again. It is the biggest megalith, 3m high, 1 m wide, weighing 2 tons! On the stone, a weapon is cut.
Info in French
Filitosa IX – stern face captured in granit
If you think that I haven’t shown you enough, stay tuned for the Filitosa sequel next Monday. This is my entry for Jo’s Monday Walk. Today she is dragging us atop of Whitby cliffs to visit St. Mary’s.
Thanks for sharing with me one of your special places, Paula. Corsica is very beautiful seen through your eyes. I love that last shot! 🙂 And atmospheric music too, of course! Hugs, darlin’!
Me too! I am indecisive tonight with too much going on in my life. I intended to take part in Cardinal’s B & W but I am not satisfied with any of my images so far (you know it’s not my medium). I don’t have anything that fits with Dusk either so I may have to be a free spirit. Big smiles 🙂 🙂 Good night, God bless!
I like free spirits and i like free interpretations and going beyond theme 🙂 Good night Jo (I’m having insomnia this time of year and watching some Serbian comedy “woman with the broken nose” -lol
Oh dear 😦 I’m looking forward to some Croatian photos later this year. I’m sure you promised Cardinal to show him your homeland? I just know that there are many beautiful sights waiting to be seen. Do you have your holidays for this year fully planned yet?
I haven’t, and that’s why I want to.go before we remain jobless or too poor. West coast is my plan- hubby is not crazy about driving that.much, but can’t be helped. They also.drive on right.side like you?
Amazing Paula. The word menhir always makes me think of the character Obelix and I would have driven, just like you, to have seen one standing before me.
I thought of you while I was writing this post, Colline, I remember you expressed interest to see more when I posted my first photo from there 😉 Thank you. I would have liked to have you with me on this walk.
The shots do not meet my standards – not my fault – the light did not cooperate, however the place is noteworthy in many respects and I cherish the memory of visiting it. I am glad you liked M83 🙂
After reading such an advert, I wouldn’ t have been able to resist either, Paula! 🙂 And after following and enjoying footprints of the past in your beautiful photos, I hope I will be able to do it in reality one day, too.
I have heard about Corsica in certain books – and truly a place of beauty and history – the music paired well with the shots – looking forward to next week’s walk too – but enjoyed the historic stroll today ❤
What a beautiful place and I don’t blame you for wanting to go. I am glad you did. Now I had some virtual travelling to do myself and I loved it. Stunning captures Paula. 😀 ♥
Oh my goodness, Corsica is were my last name comes from. Thanks so much for showing these images as I have no idea of the kind of landscape the island has.
🙂 Maria, if you look at the menu bar above, there is Corsica as sub-category- there you could see many posts about Corsica with gorgeous landscape 🙂 Are you ancestors Corsican?
Well, it looks great in photos as well, definitely not middle of the day?
All great here, busy traveling last year and then xmas in Holland, all great, how was your holiday season?
That light works for me and the place looks very interesting to visit too!
Our holiday was short as well, but unfortunately always includes a 2 days of travel as well 😉
Hope the tranquility of home evens out the busy job!
No worries, I didnt understand when you said the light wasnt that good, the shadows are long and the sunlight golden soft 😉
But youre very welcome, have a great week!
Taravo Valley looks well worth the drive. You must have been able to return the next day, 40 minutes doesn’t seem like enough time to capture the Menhirs, as you did. It looks like an interesting and beautiful place.
Yes, I would have visited too. Definitely worth the travel, but maybe you should have stayed a little closer for a day or two so you could get more time there? Are you allowed to touch them? 🙂
Now, I just feel stupid. They were out there in the open air, no guards or cameras in sight, and it never occurred to me to touch any of them :S (what’s wrong with me?!?)
Nice walk.
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One of the most extraordinary Neolithic sites ever, so definitely NICE!
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It would be nice to see this.
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Thanks for sharing with me one of your special places, Paula. Corsica is very beautiful seen through your eyes. I love that last shot! 🙂 And atmospheric music too, of course! Hugs, darlin’!
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TA
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Did you have to work on Epiphany?
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From home yes.
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😦 I expected it to be a National Holiday but was not sure. I popped in to see the subject of tomorrow’s Special.
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You can see themes outlined with dates for months in advance on Scheduled Challenges page 😉
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I know- I’ve just been there and am now enjoying Chris Rea on your About page. 🙂
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😀 I.love him so much-he is one of a kind
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Me too! I am indecisive tonight with too much going on in my life. I intended to take part in Cardinal’s B & W but I am not satisfied with any of my images so far (you know it’s not my medium). I don’t have anything that fits with Dusk either so I may have to be a free spirit. Big smiles 🙂 🙂 Good night, God bless!
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I like free spirits and i like free interpretations and going beyond theme 🙂 Good night Jo (I’m having insomnia this time of year and watching some Serbian comedy “woman with the broken nose” -lol
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Oh dear 😦 I’m looking forward to some Croatian photos later this year. I’m sure you promised Cardinal to show him your homeland? I just know that there are many beautiful sights waiting to be seen. Do you have your holidays for this year fully planned yet?
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Not fully: Lisbon tickets are bought for May, July remains to be decided- Croatia or Ireland (money issues)
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You know I would choose Croatia but I have some money issues too. 🙂
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I hope you’ll.get to see it again. Acc to.astrology this will be a dry year so I was thinking.giving Ireland a chance.
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Have you been? It is very beautiful from what I’ve seen and I would like a return visit to finish the west coast… one day 🙂
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I haven’t, and that’s why I want to.go before we remain jobless or too poor. West coast is my plan- hubby is not crazy about driving that.much, but can’t be helped. They also.drive on right.side like you?
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Yes. I did it in a campervan with a grumpy friend and it was more damp than dry, but still lovely 🙂
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Damp and grumpy sounds like holiday 😀
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Amazing Paula. The word menhir always makes me think of the character Obelix and I would have driven, just like you, to have seen one standing before me.
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I thought of you while I was writing this post, Colline, I remember you expressed interest to see more when I posted my first photo from there 😉 Thank you. I would have liked to have you with me on this walk.
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Eccezionale, Paula!
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🙂 sono contenta che ti piace Anna. Baci!
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Like an exotic Pink Floyd. Great shoots too 🙂
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The shots do not meet my standards – not my fault – the light did not cooperate, however the place is noteworthy in many respects and I cherish the memory of visiting it. I am glad you liked M83 🙂
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Your photos are amazing!
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Thank you very much, Gen … these are not the best you could find on this blog 🙂
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After reading such an advert, I wouldn’ t have been able to resist either, Paula! 🙂 And after following and enjoying footprints of the past in your beautiful photos, I hope I will be able to do it in reality one day, too.
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You would find unspoiled, isolated nature on Corsica, Ese and I am sure you would love it. That remains my favourite trip ever!
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Astounding! I would love to take this walk with you.:)
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Interesting, I.haven’t seen cyclers on Corsica ;). You would love it there, Sue. Thank you, dear.
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Amazing place and beautiful! 🙂
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You bet!
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As a one-time sculptor, I can never resist large man-made stone pieces and these are terrific.
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🙂 I wish I could see your work somewhere, Hilary.
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A wonderful post Paula. Everything you show of Corsica tempts me there.
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😀 I bet
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I have heard about Corsica in certain books – and truly a place of beauty and history – the music paired well with the shots – looking forward to next week’s walk too – but enjoyed the historic stroll today ❤
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Thank you very much, Yvette!
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🙂
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What a beautiful place and I don’t blame you for wanting to go. I am glad you did. Now I had some virtual travelling to do myself and I loved it. Stunning captures Paula. 😀 ♥
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🙂 *hugs*
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😀 ♥ Hugs ♥
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I’ve done it a couple of times as well when I only had a little bit of time to explore a place. I wonder what those carved stones for?
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That remains mystery.
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Nice peaceful place… Lovely pictures…
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Thanks, Lumar 🙂
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Oh my goodness, Corsica is were my last name comes from. Thanks so much for showing these images as I have no idea of the kind of landscape the island has.
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🙂 Maria, if you look at the menu bar above, there is Corsica as sub-category- there you could see many posts about Corsica with gorgeous landscape 🙂 Are you ancestors Corsican?
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These are beautiful, Paula, great time of day/light to be there!
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Yes, great light to be visiting but not for photo taking 😉 How have you been Ron? Happy 2015!
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Well, it looks great in photos as well, definitely not middle of the day?
All great here, busy traveling last year and then xmas in Holland, all great, how was your holiday season?
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No, not the middle of the day for a change :D. My holiday was short – busy at work, but tranquil at home 🙂
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That light works for me and the place looks very interesting to visit too!
Our holiday was short as well, but unfortunately always includes a 2 days of travel as well 😉
Hope the tranquility of home evens out the busy job!
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I have read this encouraging comment many times, but forgot to thank you. I appreciate it buddy!
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No worries, I didnt understand when you said the light wasnt that good, the shadows are long and the sunlight golden soft 😉
But youre very welcome, have a great week!
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Gorgeous! I’m looking forward to the next part already. Now, when I am I going to get to Corsica…
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🙂
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Lovely, and you are right, open air museum and 8000 year old stones, who wouldn’t go? Looking forward to next week.
Minou
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Pingback: A Walk Among the Menhirs – Sequel | Lost in Translation
These are astonishing relics, Paula.
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This looks an amazing place Paula I had no idea it existed – 8000 year old stones that’s incredible thanks for sharing your beautiful photos! 🙂
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Taravo Valley looks well worth the drive. You must have been able to return the next day, 40 minutes doesn’t seem like enough time to capture the Menhirs, as you did. It looks like an interesting and beautiful place.
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I wish :D. 40 min was all we got. It was an exhausting but beautiful drive. The entire island has a wild appeal, such diversity and unspoiled nature.
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Who erected them?
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Whoever lived there some 8,000 years ago
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Yes, I would have visited too. Definitely worth the travel, but maybe you should have stayed a little closer for a day or two so you could get more time there? Are you allowed to touch them? 🙂
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Now, I just feel stupid. They were out there in the open air, no guards or cameras in sight, and it never occurred to me to touch any of them :S (what’s wrong with me?!?)
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