The chapel sits on the Plateau du Coscione, a glacial plateau characterized by unique 'pozzines'—peaty lawns with waterholes.
The site is a major destination during the annual August 5th feast day, known as the 'Madonna di e Nevi'.
It is historically associated with transhumance, where shepherds brought their flocks to the plateau for summer grazing.
The name 'Madonna of the Snows' references the legend of the miracle of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The plateau is one of the few places in Corsica where wild horses are commonly seen grazing near the chapel vicinity.
The structure is built primarily from locally sourced granite blocks, consistent with traditional vernacular mountain construction.
Notre Dame des Neiges, also known as A Madonna di e Nevi, is a historic chapel located in the mountain commune of Quenza in southern Corsica. The structure is situated on the plateau of Coscione, a high-altitude area known for its seasonal livestock grazing and rugged granite terrain. It functions as a site of pilgrimage and religious observance for the local mountain community. The building reflects traditional Corsican granite stonework, typical of the Alta Rocca region's ecclesiastical architecture. Its isolation contributes to the preservation of a quiet, rural religious tradition in the Corsican interior. The chapel serves as a physical waypoint for hikers traversing the plateau toward the peak of Monte Incudine.
From the slight rise looking back toward the chapel with the backdrop of the Monte Incudine massif.
Bring sturdy hiking boots as the surrounding terrain is uneven and often boggy due to the pozzine wetlands.
Check local weather reports specifically for the Coscione plateau, as mountain conditions can shift rapidly compared to the coast.
Carry sufficient water as there are limited facilities on the plateau itself.
Do not attempt to drive to the site in a standard low-clearance vehicle if recent rains have made the access tracks muddy.
Access may be restricted or hazardous during winter months due to heavy snow cover on the plateau.
Maintain a respectful silence as the site is a place of active prayer; cover shoulders and knees if entering the interior.
