Here’s an intriguing fact that highlights Bastia’s Italian heritage: This city boasts a greater number of Baroque churches than any other location on Corsica.

The Genoese, supported by medieval Maona investors, governed for several centuries, leaving behind numerous fascinating remnants of their presence.

The citadel remains safeguarded by bastions and houses the Palace of the Governors, where insights into Bastia’s historical narrative are disclosed.

Stroll along the old port, which radiates a charming, antiquated ambiance, engage in vibrant conversations over meals on a picturesque square, and be captivated by the baroque and rococo intricacies of the numerous churches and chapels.

Let’s explore the top attractions in Bastia:

1. Old Port

Wander along the quays of the U-shaped harbor, where the residences are densely packed along the city’s slopes.

These structures are adorned in soft hues of ochre, with the twin cupolas of the baroque Church of St. John the Baptist towering above.

At the base of nearly every edifice lies a restaurant or café where patrons can sit outdoors and admire the sea of masts bobbing in the waters, envisioning the Genoese fleet anchored here.

In the opposite direction, one can stroll along the piers for picturesque views of the quayside residences and to observe the historic lighthouses safeguarding the entrance.

2. Church of Sainte-Marie

This magnificent 17th-century baroque church served as Bastia’s cathedral for centuries until the diocese of Mariana was dissolved, subsequently placing Bastia under the jurisdiction of Ajaccio.

The existing structure dates back to a reconstruction between 1604 and 1625, epitomizing the Genoese baroque style, as reflected in the ornate pilasters and pediments adorning the western façade.

The church’s three naves are lavishly embellished with marble and gold: observe the golden statue of the Assumption of Mary from the 1700s, which is paraded annually through the streets of Bastia on August 15th.

3. Bastia Citadel

Prepare to wear comfortable footwear to explore the citadel perched atop the cliffs to the south of the old harbor.

This fortified area, known as the Bastiglia, is the origin of Bastia’s name.

Construction began in 1380 under the orders of the Genoese governor Leonello Lomelli.

The Genoese managed the citadel from this point until 1768, when the island was ceded to France.

Although the ramparts suffered damage during the Second World War, they have since undergone complete restoration.

4. Le Palais des Gouverneurs

These Genoese governors exercised control over all of Corsica from this palace, constructed simultaneously with the remainder of the citadel.

Initially, its primary function was defensive, serving as a watchtower overlooking the port’s entrance.

Innovative features contributed to its resilience against sieges, including two expansive underground water reservoirs ensuring several months’ supply.

By the late 15th century, it became a more opulent permanent residence for the governors, adorned with suitable decorations.

The interior is presently home to the Museum of Bastia, which continues the historical narrative.

5. Musée de Bastia

The regional museum was modernized at the start of this decade and now encompasses 17 informative rooms.

Detailed displays provide a comprehensive overview of Bastia’s origins and development, its significance as a power center, the flourishing culture, and the notable individuals who resided in the Governor’s Palace.

The exhibit features a large-scale model of the city, furniture, paintings, liturgical artifacts, and a collection of maritime memorabilia, including sailors’ chests, illustrating the sea’s monumental importance to the Genoese.

Visitors can also venture outside for a remarkable view of the old port from the artillery positions.

6. Chapelle Sainte-Croix

Also located within the citadel is a baroque oratory characterized by an opulent rococo interior, filled with gold, statues, intricately carved marble, and stunning murals.

The lavish ornamentation, gilding, and cherubic figures evoke a sense of stepping into a salon reminiscent of Louis XV’s era. Notably, in the Chapelle du Christ Noir des Miracles, a blackened oak statue of Christ rests above the altar; its mysterious origins trace back to 1428 when fishermen discovered it floating at sea. This figure is now regarded as the patron saint of Bastia’s fishermen, prominently featured in a procession through the Terra Nova district on May 3rd.

7. Place Saint-Nicolas

Measuring 300 meters by 70, Bastia’s main square ranks among the largest in France, nearly twice the size of Venice’s Piazza San Marco.

Positioned along the seafront, the square is framed to the west by 19th-century townhouses, facilitating unobstructed vistas of the commercial port to the east.

Plane trees and palms adorn the square, providing shade during the sweltering summer months, offering respite for visitors enjoying refreshing beverages under café parasols.

Curious monuments are also present: the conning tower of the legendary Q813 submarine, Casablanca, sits by the water, alongside a flattering statue depicting Napoleon in the guise of a Roman emperor.

8. Place du Marché

An additional picturesque plaza, Place du Marché, is surrounded by gracefully deteriorating apartment buildings with colorful shutters, bordered by trees providing shade for outdoor dining.

On weekends, the square transforms as local farmers, artisans, and florists gather to sell their products.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Corsican culture through various specialties, such as brocciu cheese, fritelli (Corsican doughnuts), lonzu (smoked pork), and coppa (cured pork), all complemented by the down-to-earth “magagne” humor of the vendors.

9. Corse Miniature Animée

Located within the Citadel’s former gunpowder magazine, this unique attraction is bound to bring joy to visitors of all ages.

Over more than three decades, model-maker René Mattei has meticulously created a miniature 19th-century Corsican village using ten tons of materials.

The village features an extensive array of animated figurines, including a blacksmith at work and villagers washing clothes in a stream.

Visitors are encouraged to linger before the model to appreciate the intricate details and moving components, from the mill’s blades to the steam railway.

René Mattei will also be present for any inquiries.

10. Église de Monserrato

Situated in the countryside just outside of Bastia, accessible by a 20-minute walk, this baroque church merits the journey due to its unique feature found in only a few Christian structures across Europe.

The Scala Santa, a staircase that religious penitents must ascend on their hands and knees in search of absolution, graces this church.

Pope Pius VII authorized Bastia to have a Scala Santa in the early 19th century, thanking the town for sheltering 424 Roman prelates banished by Napoleon after the 1801 Concordat.

11. Rail Trip

Visitors can reach Bastia without a car and still enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Corsica’s untamed interior landscapes via the CFC train network.

This attraction draws many tourists to the island, as the rail system is a testament to 19th-century engineering advancements.

The challenging terrain should have made rail travel unfeasible, yet since the 1870s, trains have traversed all corners of the island.

This was accomplished through the construction of numerous tunnels and modern viaducts, one of which, situated at Vecchio, was designed by Gustave Eiffel.

A possible route includes a return journey to Corte, situated at the heart of the island, allowing travelers to see mountains, gorges, olive groves, stone pines, and chestnut trees unfold before them from the comfort of an air-conditioned carriage.

12. Chemin des Glacières de Cardo

Adjacent to the church in the neighboring village of Cardo lies the starting point for a hike that leads to an unexpected segment of Genoese history.

The well-marked trail navigates through aromatic maquis shrubland and past several natural water sources.

Ultimately, hikers will arrive at two ice houses, both in surprisingly good condition, despite their dating back to the 1500s and 1800s, respectively.

An informational plaque at the site explains the operational methods of the ice houses, highlighting that the route taken was originally used by donkeys transporting ice back to Bastia.

13. Beaches

Bastia is home to four pebbled beaches within close proximity to the city.

Plage de Miomo, located just north, retains a Genoese watchtower overseeing its shores.

For those willing to drive, the remarkable white sandy bays for which Corsica is renowned await: a long stretch of beaches five kilometers south lies between the Biguglia Lagoon and the sea, dotted with campsites and discreet vacation homes.

Furthermore, less than 20 kilometers up Corsica’s eastern coastline lies Plage Marine de Pietracorbara, a site renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery.

The brilliant white sands transition into lush green mountainous landscapes, punctuated only by a few huts and houses nestled within the maquis.

14. Diving

The remnants of ancient conflicts, centuries of seafaring, and diverse underwater biodiversity converge to offer exceptional diving opportunities in Corsica.

Given the remarkable water clarity found in this region of the Mediterranean, Bastia serves as an ideal locale for individuals keen to experience diving for the first time.

Diving centers in Bastia facilitate excursions to eleven different sites in the vicinity, featuring historic shipwrecks and the remains of an American P47 Thunderbolt fighter aircraft.

There are three dive centers available in Bastia, all equipped to provide instruction and equipment for children to undertake their initial diving experiences.

15. Corsican Cuisine

As you explore the market, you may wish to enhance your understanding of Corsican delicacies and their origins.

It is essential to mention the chestnut, which was introduced by the Genoese and has remained a foundational element of the island’s traditional cuisine.

Chestnuts are still dried over fire, ground into flour, or fed to pigs raised for the island’s exquisite charcuterie (lonzu, prisuttu, panzetta, and coppa). This flour is utilized in various dishes, including Corsican polenta, beer, porridge, cakes, and fritelli, which exude an enticing aroma when freshly fried at market stalls.