The Palaghju alignments: a major megalithic site in Corsica
- Arko The App
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Alignements de Palaghju (Sartene, Corse)
When we talk about menhirs in France, we immediately think of Morbihan and the great alignments in the west. However, Corsica occupies a major place in the French megalithic landscape: it is the second department in terms of the number of menhirs recorded, after Morbihan. Among these groups, the Palaghju alignments, located in the south of the island, are among the most remarkable and most studied sites.
The Palaghju site has long been known to local scholars, but it was mainly in the 20th century that it was the subject of in-depth studies, making it possible to clarify its organisation, typology and importance in the context of Corsican megalithism.
A structured set of monoliths
The Palaghju alignments consist of a large number of standing monoliths, arranged in a structured pattern. The study published in 1972 by R. Grosjean in the Bulletin de la Société Préhistorique Française highlights the parallel rows, forming a truly monumental arrangement.
The blocks, carved from local granite, vary in size but show evidence of careful selection and placement. Some menhirs are simply erected, while others are more elaborately shaped, particularly in the case of the Corsican statue-menhirs, although the Palaghju site is not limited to this type alone.
The site's location in the landscape is not insignificant. Situated on a slightly sloping plateau, it enjoys a wide visual opening onto the surrounding environment, which reinforces the impression of order and monumentality.
Spatial organisation and characteristics of menhirs
The main rows of menhirs are arranged along a dominant axis, with additional blocks placed around the perimeter. This layout suggests a planned design rather than a gradual, disorderly accumulation.
The stones vary in size, but the selection of blocks seems to have been based on criteria of stability and visibility. Their installation required considerable technical skill: extraction, transport over short distances and positioning in pits to ensure they stood upright.
Dating assumptions and chronological context
The precise dating of the Palaghju alignments remains difficult in the absence of archaeological artefacts directly associated with the monoliths. The site should be considered within the context of Corsican megalithism, generally attributed to recent prehistory, more specifically to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age. This proposal is based on typological comparisons with other megalithic sites on the island and on parallels established with Corsican menhir statues, often linked to the same period.
Access to the site: caution required
The Palaghju alignments are located on land accessible via a private track. Access must therefore be exercised with discretion and in compliance with the rules in force.
It is essential to:
check access conditions before visiting,
respect private property,
park only in authorised areas,
avoid damaging the blocks or the ground.
Palaghju: a major example of Corsican megalithic architecture
The Palaghju alignments remind us that megalithism is not limited to the large sites in Brittany. In Corsica, these monuments bear witness to a rich and structured prehistoric tradition, the study of which contributes to a better understanding of the island's ancient societies.
For Arko, Palaghju embodies the importance of broadening our perspective beyond the most famous sites. France's megalithic heritage is diverse, and Corsica represents an essential part of it, yet one that is still too often overlooked.