Citadel of Bastia

About

La Citadelle () is a historic district in the city of Bastia. Its construction dates back to the Genoese presence in Corsica. The neighbourhood also bears the name Terra Nova. It is the oldest district in Bastia. It is of high heritage and historical interest. The citadel ramparts and the monumental gate are listed as historical monuments. The facades and roof of the Governor's Palace are listed as historical monuments. Within the Citadel there are two religious buildings that are classified as historical monuments: the Church of St. Croix and the Cathedral of St. Mary.

The citadel of Bastia was founded in the 14th century by the Genoese. The capital of Corsica is then Biguglia, where the governors reside. But the Genoese consider the place dangerous and not suitable for trade. In the 1380s, Governor Leonello Lomellini decided to build a new fort, called Castello della Bastia or Il Fortino, located on a rocky promontory overlooking two ports: the navy of the village of Cardu, called Portu Cardu and corresponding to the current Old Port, and the navy of the village...