Excursions in Bastia

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TOWN OF ART AND HISTORY Bastia possesses a baroque heritage of an astonishing richness which can easily be discovered as long as we start from the inescapable Saint Nicolas Square.

By taking Napoleon’s street, where the former stables have been replaced by smart shops, we discover on the left hand side a religious edifice offering a neoclassical severe frontage, modified at the beginning of the 20 th century.

Saint Roch Brotherhood Oratory dates from 1604. Inside, side walls offer panels hung with crimson damask, punctuated with golden pilasters. The motives in grisaille and foliages decorating the vault are dated the 18 th

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century. The high altar altarpiece in polychrome marbles presents a painting of the 18 th century. The gallery shelters a splendid Italian walnut sculpted and gilded organ dating from 1750. Lastly, Saint Roch processional statue (celebrated on the 16 th of August) is exposed since the 18 th century in a recess on the left of the entrance. The vocation of Saint Roch brotherhood was to support condemned persons, assist ill people and bury the dead.

A hundred metres away on the left, coming out from Saint Roch oratory, you will see the

frontage of the Immaculate Conception brotherhood oratory. Built once in 1589, it was enlarged and embellished in 1611.The strict external rigour is greatly compensated by the richness of the inside decoration. We can find here the same architectural motives as in Saint Roch, but greatly enriched with gilts and frescoes.The penetrating vault is decorated with paintings representing the Immaculate Conception and the Prophets.The string course, decorated with foliages and grisailles (The Apostles and the Evangelists) would be the work of the painter Girolamo Ribieco (1806). On both sides of the

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high altar, are the portraits of Pope Pie VII and His Lordship Sebastiani, bishop of Corsica from 1802 to 1831. The altarpiece, dating from the beginning of the 18 th century, is made of polychrome marbles. It is crowned with a broken pediment in the centre of which stands up the risen Christ holding the oriflamme. In the centre, the splendid copy of Murillo’s Immaculate Conception is enriched with a rare silver lamp : the snake coils up the tree of the Garden of

Eden surmounted by a crescent. The side chapels of the 18 th century, are dedicated to Saint Joseph (on the left of the altar) and to Crucifixion (on the right hand side).There, a superb Christ of typical baroque style stands out on a painted panel, which represents the bearing of the cross dating from the 15 th century. In a recess, the Immaculate Conception Virgin processional statue (18 th century) is carried through the alleys of the lower town every 8 th of December. During the Anglo-Corsican kingdom period, the sessions of the Parliament took place in this chapel.The throne (remained empty) of King Georges III of England was then set on the high altar and the Viceroy Sir Elliot’s throne was set at the bottom of the steps. Each time a session started, the « God Save the King » was stroke up by the audience and accompanied on the little organ still standing above the entrance drum. Coming out from the chapel, the pebble mosaic ornamental tiling figuring the

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moon, the sun and a star deserves to be remarked.

By taking the sloping alley on the left, we get to the market place where stands up Saint Jean Baptiste church. Built between 1636 and 1671 on the site of a sanctuary considered as too

small, it was opened to worship in 1666. Its majestic frontage, showing strictly proportioned profiles, is flanked by two steeples crowned with domes.The porch opens onto the last row of the nave, which dimension corresponds to the length of the previous edifice, located perpendicularly to the present sanctuary. The inside of the church surprises by its imposing dimensions.This church is as a matter of fact, the largest one on the whole island. Its plan showing one unique nave and five row aisles, is enriched by a deep choir. The central medallion of the vault representing Christ’s Christening, is surrounded by golden stuccoes, plaster works and paintings widely enlightened by high windows. The side chapels all offer polychrome marble altarpieces, and the superb high altar shows the actual virtuosity of its maker.

Saint Erasme chapel (Sailors’Brotherhood) offers a very original and exceptionally rich marble altarpiece. Paintings decorating the edifice partially come from Fesch’s legacy. Most of them date from the 18 th century. The splendid tabernacle in repoussé silver of the high altar, and its matching piece adorning the Virgin altar are dated the 19 th century (silversmith,

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G. Macchi). The preaching pulpit dating from the 18 th is admirable. The organ loft is particularly original because of its « bird’nest » shape.

The monumental instrument surmounting it is richly decorated with golden trophies.

A walk around the Old Port leads to Romieu Gardens, greenery oasis overhanging the port. A gallery running under the city walls located in the gardens leads to the citadel.

The citadel dates from the foundation of the town in 1381.

The Genoese Governors Palace, with its lovely baroque façade, sheltered Genoese administration until 1768. The rampartsLouis XVI door- Donjon square. On the right hand side of Louis XVI door, whose royal coat of arms was banished during the revolution, we can see the ancient Genoese gallows on the ramparts.The donjon square used to be the heart of the Genoese town. On one angle, was a stone slab, a « lastrone », which use appears to be strange.When a shopkeeper was accused of cheating his customers, he was brought on this stone and after he was put « bare-bottomed » ! he used to stay there all day long under the crowd’s gibes. In the evening, he was brought back to his shop where the sergeants in arms broke his counter with sledgehammers.

This broken counter, « banca rota » in Italian, gave birth to the word bankruptcy.

Taking Notre Dame (Our Lady) street, we get to the cathe-

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dral square. Saint Marie Cathedral was erected between 1604 and 1619. It offers a nice façade, broken with pilasters and capitals. The inside plan is composed of a unique nave with aisles. The cathedral is splendidly decorated.

We shall note that the marble pavement was achieved for the visit of the Empress Eugenie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. The bones which remained under the former paving (for the church used to be used as burial) have filled in the bishops’crypt located under the

master-altar. The hats of the 7 bishops who were buried there, hung on the side vaults of the choir. The lovely silver Virgin sitting in a recess of the right bay dates from the 19 th century. At first, it should have been very much smaller, but the munificence of the people of Bastia, accumulated so much money, that the silversmith Gaetano Macchi, gave birth to a work weighing almost 650 kg of fine silver.

The large choir is decorated with lovely stalls dating from the 19 th century. A few very in-

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teresting paintings embellish the edifice.The most interesting one is surely the one which decorates the chapel near the left alley.This lovely « Assumption of the Virgin » from Leonoro Aquilani dates back to 1512.

The Holy Cross brotherhood Oratory.

The Holy Cross brotherhood is the oldest one of the town, it already existed in the beginning of the 15 th century and it has been registered as Ancient Monument in 1931.The rococo style spreads out with grace and exuberance.

The Miracles crucifix chapel is particularly remarkable with its painted caissons dating from the Renaissance era and the Black Christ set in the niche. This Christ, renowned as a miraculous one, was found in 1428 by two fishermen from Bastia off the town. It was brought back to the old port and « watched over » during the night by pious women. It was found in the morning hanging up in the branches of a tree on the precise spot where the chapel was erected. It is also to be noted that this chapel was built on a land belonging to the Holy See. Within a few steps, the visitor finds himself on… Vatican land.The Holy Cross brotherhood used to take in charge the foundlings home, which directly communicated with the Black Christ chapel.

The processional group, typically baroque, rep-

resents the Annunciation. An Annunciation much more ancient (mannered style from the medieval period) decorates two niches in the middle of the nave.

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Saint Nicolas Square This splendid esplanade, 300 metres long, 90 metres wide, holds its name from a small

chapel dedicated to Saint Nicolas, which stood there in times past. Destroyed during the extension of the square during the 19 th century, the chapel left its name to the square (by superstition as the saying goes !). The war memorial presents a lovely group of bronze due

to the shears of the Patriarch. It has the particularity of representing a scene of the wars of Independence. A widow who had two of her sons killed, offered her 3rd child of 16 years old to the general Paoli, saying : « He belongs to you, to the Country ». The statue of the Emperor which sits enthroned on the South end of the square is the work of the Florentine artist, Bartolini. He had received an order for this statue from the princess Elisa (sister of Napoleon the 1 st) who wished to set it on a public square.The collapse of the Empire prevented the artist from delivering its work, and many years later, the statue was sold to the town of Bastia. Between the statue and the sea, in the past, was a heap « it goes up » where stood a gallows.

This execution place was razed to the ground during the 18 th century.

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lovely processional statue of the Saint dated the 18 th century. The splendid organ case in sculpted walnut and gilded, dating from 1750 deserves to be seen.

Napoléon Street Most of the buildings lining this shopping street display votive plates calling for divine protection. The oratory of Saint Roch brotherhood dating from the year 1604, was the seat of the brotherhood bearing the same name. Its members had authority to bury the dead ones, and to give assistance to the dying and sick ones. In the inside, we may see the

A hundred metres away in the same street, stands the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception. Its small square is cobbled with pebbles representing the moon, the sun and a star. The inside of the edifice is remarkably rich.We shall point out that in this chapel took place the Anglo Corsican Parliament sessions from 1794 to 1796. The throne of King Georges III of England was at that time symbolically set on the top of the altar steps. Further down, was set the throne of the Viceroy, Sir Gilbert Elliot. During each session, the assistance started singing « God Save the King » accompanied by the little Italian organ located above the entrance.

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nious, it is the largest one of Corsica. One of the curiosities of the edifice is probably the stucco high relief surmounting the statue of Saint Jean Baptiste in the choir. As a matter of fact, the Circumcision (!) of the baby Jesus is very rarely represented.

The Market Square - Saint Jean Baptiste Church - The Old Port On this esplanade, in the old days, stood the former municipal theatre built by the Count Marbeuf, governor of Corsica. The edifice was built in wood by someone called‌ Picasso during the 18 th century. Saint Jean Baptiste church lining the square is an actual curiosity.As a matter of fact, its baroque façade looks towards the citadel instead of being positioned towards the square as the ostentation featuring this style would suggest it.This appeared to be the will of people and notables coming from the lower town to deride the upper town population which boasted in the 18 th century, that they had the most beautiful sanctuary of the town, Sainte Marie cathedral.

The inside of the church is particularly harmo-

The large building lining a large part of the Old Port cove was demolished during a bombing occurred during the Second World War. It was practically rebuilt exactly as it was by the architect Pouillon. The areastill bears the scars of this tragic episode.

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the present Romieu garden, was destroyed in 1747 on the order of the Genoese representative, Mari, who had all constructions around Terra Nova razed to the ground, as safety measures. The inside decoration has almost disappeared during the past centuries. Only the choir, with the triumphal altarpiece of the high altar, preserved its original decoration. The painting, set in a rich golden wood decoration as icons, represents the Virgin of Lavasina, celebrated on the 8 th of September. The processional statue of the Virgin with the child located in the glass niche dates from the 18 th century. Finally, you must know that the organs as well as the front door leaves installed in 1886, come from Saint Jean Baptiste church.

Saint Charles BorromĂŠe Church This lovely baroque edifice has the extremely rare particularity (maybe even unique) of not offering the right of asylum. As a matter of fact, the Genoese governor of the time imposed this condition before authorizing its construction.

Dedicated to Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the church changed its dedication when Saint Charles brotherhood settled up in this sanctuary after the expulsion of the Society of Jesus in 1768. Saint Charles BorromĂŠe brotherhood (archbishop of Milan, dead in 1584) was founded in 1640. Its oratory, located close to

From the stairs located on the left hand-side coming out of the church, we get on MisĂŠricorde (Mercy) alley, which takes its name from an ancient oratory, today closed down and converted into a cinema.

At the end of the alley, get on Paoli Boulevard over a hundred metres. Facing you, proudly standing at the top of an imposing flight of stairs, are the Law Courts. Construction which started in 1852 up to 1856, it possesses a superb inner colonnade in blue marble, coming from Corte. Getting round the Law Courts by the right and taking the first alley on the left which runs along its enclosure, we get to a flight of stairs which de-

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serves to be taken, in order to pursue our walk.

Within a few minutes these stairs will lead you right in the middle of the countryside. The various points of view which will mark out your route will allow you to admire the islands of the Tuscan archipelago (from left to right : Capraïa, Elba, Pianosa and Monte Cristo).

Once right up the stairs, go to the left hand side and follow the indications « Scala Santa ».The little pastoral path you will take passes in front of Alzeto fountain, one of the most ancient in Bastia as the slab set in its recess indicates it.

Monserato Chapel A few hundred metres away, the venerable Chapel of Monserato stands up. Only the highest places of Christendom possess the privilege it enjoys. As a matter of fact, anyone who will climb the « Holy Stairs » on his knees « in a sincere contrition spirit » will be absolved from his sins.This privilege was granted to the people of Bastia by the Pope Pie VII in recognition of the reception granted to the 424 Roman priests and prelates exiled in Corsica for having refused to take the oath to Napoleon the 1 st. Mistake in the agreement about the location, this Scala was only installed on the 16 th of November 1884 ! The inside decoration is baroque style. In

the apse stands a lovely marble statue of the Virgin with the Child dating from 1637.

The left chapel is dedicated to Saint Pancrace, celebrated on the 12 th of May. The stairs covered with red velvet, lead to an altar where in times past, relics were exhibited and venerated at the end of steps ascent.

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Cardo Village Coming out of the oratory, retrace your steps up to the B road, which you will take over a hundred metres on your left. The first road on your right hand side climbing up, will lead you in 25 minutes to the village of Cardo. Do not miss on your way the famous « Turkish chapel » of the Villayet, unique example of « folly » existing in Corsica. At the entrance of the village, the small stone bridge was the witness of a

moving story : At the end of the 18 th century, a few soldiers of the Directory army were busy building this bridge under the command of a young officer. A young girl of the village, Marie Benedetti used to pass by the site several times a day to draw water from the fountain. The young and handsome soldier was not indifferent to her and her glances were so eloquent that they set the soldier’s heart on fire. The work was practically finished when our young man decided to declare his sentiments to the beautiful girl. The hero of our story then went to meet his beloved’s father and his proposal of marriage was violently turned down. A rich and honourable family could not accept such a bad match, without any fortune nor future. With a heavy heart, our poor Lieutenant left Corsica a few days later. During Napoleon wars, he fought with such a courage and abnegation, that he was noticed by the Emperor. He ended one day with his Empire Marshal’s baton. Maybe once he became the King of Sweden, the Marshal Bernadotte would bitterly smile while thinking back about the love of his youth, while sitting on his throne he received the tributes of his subjects.

In Cardo, Marie Benedetti remained faithful to her love pledge. She refused to get married de-

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spite all the attractive matches who presented themselves.

It is said, that once she got very old, the young girl she was, could have become the Queen of Sweden, she used to come very often to sit on the bridge parapet thinking about her lost lover. It should be noted that the village of Cardo is mentioned in « Colomba » written by Prosper Mérimée.

Ancestor of the town of Bastia, its existence was mentioned for a long time ago. Thus, the present old Port of the town used to be called Porto-Cardo long ago before the « bastilla » existed. The village has several baker’s ovens, wash houses and fountains. The water coming from the church square was renowned for long ago because of its purity. In past times, many inhabitants of Cardo used to go and sell it in Bastia.

Saint Etienne’s church is a lovely and vast edifice dated the 19 th century. Getting inside, we discover a surprising neo-baroque decoration

mixed with neogothic.Some paintings are remarkable. Some of them come from Fesch’s legacy. The large altarpiece surmounting the high altar figures the « stoning of Saint Etienne » first martyr deacon. The organ case is neo-gothic style. It holds an Italian instrument dating from the 19 th century.

On the village square, a situation plan allows you to visualize the route of the ice path which is the object of a separate brochure.

Within 1 hour and 30 minutes, on foot, you will get to these edifices built with stones in the 17 th and 18 th centuries, designed for preserving the ice collected during the winter, to cut it up in bars and sell it at the height of the summer.

If you wish to come back to Bastia, just take the road on the right hand side coming out from the church.

It will lead you to the B-road N° 81, passing in front of the Vetrice tower (a square dwelling tower which has been perfectly restored) dating from the 15 th century.

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COAST ROAD CIRCUIT In the north of Bastia are hidden wonderful little villages. Crossing the Corsican scrub, olive and chestnut trees, between see and mountain, go in search of the villages of Brando, Santa Maria di Lota, San Martino di Lota,Ville di Pietrabugno and Cardo.

The seashore road you will take is lined with many shingle creeks and beaches. Do not hesitate to make a stop and spend a pleasant relaxing moment.

Starting from Bastia, take B-road 80 towards the Cap Corse up to the marina of Lavasina.The sanctuary of Our Lady of Lavasina, built in 1577, is the object of a very popular pilgrimage on the 8 th of September, day of the Virgin’s Nativity.

You will admire the « miraculous painting » overhanging the major altar, as well as the processional statue of the Virgin with the Child, taken out in procession every year on the 8 th of September.

Carry on until you reach the fishermen’s village of Erbalunga. Stroll through the alleys of the little port up to the Genoese tower, anchored in the sea. The church of the village is entirely consecrated to Saint Erasmus, fishermen’s patron.

Return to Bastia and take B-road 54 towards Mausoleo. Make a stop to admire the two churches of the hamlet. Our Lady of the Snows, the smallest one, built during the 10 th century, is listed. The largest one, Saint Mary, was built during the 17 th century in order to replace Our Lady of the Snows, which had become too cramped.

Continue along the road towards Pozzu.You will cross a quarry, where the famous stone of Brando is quarried.A few metres away on the left, below the road, there is a small chapel accessible on foot, where the sight over the marina of Erbalunga and the Cap Corse is exceptional. Make a stop in the village of Pozzu, set high up on the hill.You will admire the listed Ferdinandi’s house. It was built in 1487 on the hillside, with stones coming from Brando quarry. Further down, is San Giovanni Battista’s chapel, baroque style, built in 1723 by Carlo Ferdinandi on his return from America where he made his fortune.

This private chapel joins Ferdinandi’s house through an outdoor odd passage overhanging an alley.

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Going back towards Bastia (get back on Broad 54 on your right-hand side), you will be able to see the Capuccini ancient convent and its adjoining church ; the convent church, wellproportioned, is each year the scene of Holy Week events.A « sepolcru » (entombment) is then feigned in a very realistic and harrowing way. On the square the « granitula » traditional procession also takes place. The origin of this spectacular procession is very ancient. It is a custom that

people taking part in the ceremony, form a spiral which centre is the Cross carried by a penitent with bare feet. The ancient convent is a private property. Afterwards, you will cross the small village called Poretto.

Once you are back on the seashore, go to the marina of Miomo (towards Bastia).This small marina became with the passing years a very busy fashionable sea resort.A Genoese tower dated the 16 th century, positioned on green shale outcrops, dominates the shingle beach. Near the tower, have a look at the lovely private chapel offering a baroque decoration. Miomo is the marina of Santa Maria di Lota council. The origin of the name would come from « common » for it was the common possession of the three hamlets of this village located in the Pieve di Lota. During

Pisa and Genoa ages, the Pieve used to be administrative units. Administrative and religious, territorial divisions, they approximately correspond to the district.

Take B-road 31 in direction of Figarella, hamlet dominated by the Monte Prunu, 1184 m.

Make a stop in the hamlet of Partine where the small church Santa Maria Assunta conceals a triptych dated the 16 th century, offering imposing dimensions, representing the Annunciation. Retracing your steps in Figarella direction, you will walk along the walls of Saint Hyacinthe convent. A mission of Polish Sisters took up residence for several years in the splendid buildings surrounded by a hectare hundred-yearold olive grove covering. They manage St Hyacinthe House which offers low price housing and catering.

Get back on the road towards Figarella.

Once in the village, starting from the church square, you may walk in the alleys where you will find an ancient wash house-fountain which offers

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an extremely rare “butter-producing system”.You must not miss the « American houses » in particular the Cagninacci palace set back the Saint Antoine church. Saint Antoine church possesses splendid Italian organs as well as interesting paintings dated the 17 th and 18 th centuries, and imposing Baccarat crystal chandeliers. A nice walk of half an hour starting from the heights of Figarella will lead you to the village of Mandriale. There, you will discover a Genoese humpback bridge built in 1600, as well as a lovely fountain along the riverside.

Saint Jean pass, 802 metres high, departure from Mandriale in direction of Casalta House. In 1hour and 15 minutes, you will reach the rustic Saint John’s chapel (pilgrimage every year in May). Following the Monte Stello path, in 10 minutes, you will be able to slake your thirst in the « Traversede » source, and then within 10 more minutes, you will join the « Bocca Antiglié » (splendid view over the 2 seas).

While driving along the road leading to San Martino, you will admire an impressive waterfall and many rivers hidden in the lush vegetation.

Before getting into the village and at 150 metres east from the hamlet of de Mola, stands a large building holding a small cloister. It is in fact a Capuchin ancient convent dated the beginning of the XVI° century. In times past, it was the residence of the Grand Inquisitor of Corsica. It was transformed into a castle at the beginning of the XIX° century by the Count Romain Cagninacci who gave it his name. Today, it is a private property which offers bed and breakfast.

San Leonardo pass, 855 metres high, departure from the hamlet of Mucchiete (TV relay station)

in 1 h 30. Follow the track for two kilometres, then the path crossing the river up to the new track serving the EDF network (electricity network) up to the pass.

Get back to the main square of the village where Saint Martin church stands up, built on the site of an old fort and a chapel dated the XIII° century.

Its neoclassical façade shelters an imposing nave where a remarkable marbleVirgin, dated the 17 th century, is exposed, as well as a beautiful inlaid tabernacle.The church square, the « sacraziu », was in the old days the place where the parishioners used to be buried. A common grave, « the arca » received the bodies.The Holy Cross brotherhood located by the church, is converted every year into a Palms weaving workshop. This tradition which is perpetuated here, since the Middle Ages, gathers the inhabitants who rival in virtuosity to achieve weaved palm master-pieces, solemnly worn during Palm Sunday processions.

Several among them are exposed in the chapel. Make a stop and take a breath of fresh air, in the shade

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of the plane trees, while admiring the splendid panorama over the Lota valley.A few metres away, on the right hand side towards the “Corniche” hotel-restaurant (member of the chain « Logis de France »), make a halt in the baker’s shop who perpetuates traditional bread making.

Along the panoramic road which will lead you to Ville di Pietrabugno, several stops cannot be ignored. At the first halt, you will be able to admire the Cap Corse as well as its numerous marinas. At the second one, you will enjoy an unrestricted view over the town of Bastia and the lake of Biguglia.All along, you will see the Tuscan archipelago islands emerging, Elba island, Capraï, Monte Cristo as well as Pianosa.

Ville di Pietrabugno, (the origin of the name of this village should come from the Latin word « villae » : hamlet, and « petra a bugna » : stone hive). You will discover all the small hamlets

forming this village, mainly affluent, with as permanent feature, a splendid view over the region of Bastia.You will also see the remains of a square tower built approximately in 1100.

The beautiful Saint Felicity and Saint Lucia church dates from 1796. It has been erected on a sanctuary dated from 1562, which unfortunately became too cramped.The inside style is baroque.

You will be able to admire a triptych dated 1577 which surmounts the high altar, as well as several paintings dated the 17 thand 18 th centuries.The Italian organs are due to the builder Luigi Ferrari who installed them in 1837.Located in the small hamlets, Alzeto, Guaïtella, Astima and Casevecchie, houses dating from the 15 th and 16 th centuries, fountains, wash houses, oil presses, baker’s ovens and several small votive chapels deserve to be visited. (Saint Pancrace, Saint Roch, Saint Mary and Saint Paul).

We suggest a splendid walk from an interesting « Arboretum » presenting the various bushes and plants which are endemic to the region, (start by the road of the fort of Toga, B-road 80). Then, take the hike path up to Alzeto hamlet (1h30), you will get to the path leading to the remains of the former glaciers, called « nivere » (4 h). This edifice, presenting a circular shape, which is half buried in the ground, is located on the mountain, at the pass crossed by the path leading to Farinole, below San Colombanu.The elders used to stock the snow fallen during the winter and then sell it to the rich merchants and notables of Bastia, who used it to keep food and drinks fresh or to make ice-creams.The inside of the Nivere is remarkable from an architectural point of view.There are two “apses”, surmounted by vaults on each side of a

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dividing wall.The "ice tubs", constitute two holes of 5 up to 6 metres in diameter and 3 metres in depth. The roof is made of slate stones set in corbelled construction.

On the seaside, you will see the Port of Toga, built in 1989, which may shelter 400 boats. As soon as the Roman era, in this place, a stone quarry was worked to make tiles (« tegula » in Latin, which is probably the cause of the name Toga).

Getting back on B-road 31 and then B-road 231 in direction of Cardo, you will get to the last step of our route: the village of Cardo.This small village which existed before the town of Bastia (Bastia was formerly called Porto-Cardo) offers calm and rest through its typical alleys.The village square offers an unrestricted view over Bastia and over many splendid buildings which belonged to the notables of the town. Saint Etienne church which frontage rises above the main square, possesses beautiful organs with neogothic cases, as well as two statues dated the 17 th century and several paintings coming from Fesch’s legacy. On the square, refresh yourself at the fountain. (The water of Cardo is renowned for its purity, its perfect preservation and its mineral powers). During last century, the people of the village used to go and sell it everyday in Bastia.

You also have the possibility of enjoying local

specialities in the Corsican product shop located in the heart of the village.

A panel located near the fountain will inform you about the various walks available around the village (including the path of Cardo’s glaciers).

These two glaciers respectively date from the 16 th and 18 th centuries.The Genoese governors who followed one another, required a daily delivery of 50 pounds of ice, from spring to autumn (which means approximately 1 000 pounds per year).These blocks of ice also supplied the hospitals which used it to calm sick persons pains. In the vicinity of the « Nivere » you may see several sources, remains of an ancient copper factory chimney, sheep-folds and a curious site of mill stones extraction. At 1 km from the village (Southway) is set the lovely Vetrice Pisan tower facing the Genoese cemetery, thus called because it dated from the period when only the Genoese families where buried there. Nowadays, the descendants of these families still get buried there.

Practical Information: Monuments and churches: The church of Lavasina is open everyday from 7.00 am up to 7.00 pm. The church of Erbalunga is open during the day in the summer. The other religious edifices are closed to the public except during church services. If you wish further information, please contact the town-halls of the villages in question.

The American houses and old buildings are private, therefore they cannot be visited.

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In the south of Bastia, you will find many sites worth seeing which may be discovered within a day.

While leaving the town centre by the main road 193 towards Ajaccio, coming out of the tunnel, you will go past the Fountain and the Wash House of Ficajola.The water of this fountain was very famous in the old days for its perfect preservation qualities at sea. Sailors used to come and anchor in the cove of Ficajola to shelter from violent winds and stock up drinking water. Keep on the main road 193 until you get to the roundabout of Furiani (Casino Hyper-market on the right hand side).

You will get to the village of Furiani by taking the road on the right hand side once you get to the roundabout. Once you get to the village, you should park at the entrance on provided parking areas and carry on with the visit, strolling through the typical alleys to discover Corsican typical rural heritage (ovens, wash houses, fountains). The Genoese tower of defence overlooks the small town. This tower used to be the central point of the battle carried on by Genoa against the independent Corsican people led by Pascal Paoli at the end of the 18 th century. History reports that this extremely violent battle which lasted several months sparked off the definitive departure of the Genoese army out of Corsica and its transfer to France. From the tower, a splendid point of view over the lake of Chiurlinu, the plain, the town of Bastia and the islands of the Tuscan

archipelago. (45 mn walk, Santa Maria Assunta church 9 th/10 th century).

Discovery and nature: Coming back on the plain, when you get to the roundabout, go in direction of Marana offshore bar (B-road 107) At about a hundred metres, on the right hand side, you will see the famous stadium of Furiani.

When you leave the stadium, turn on the right to get to Pietra Brewery. Visit of the equipments – Free tasting session of the famous chestnut beers (Pietra – Colomba – Serena).This firm also studied History and discovered that it was a Corsican, exile in New York, who created more than a century ago, the famous Coca-cola. As an allusion and a tribute, Pietra launched a singular product which will surprise you: Corsica Cola. And finally, latest creation of the collaboration with Mavella’s distillery, Pietra gets closer to its Irish cousin, creating a

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those who are fond of sports, the cycle track will allow you to go along the lake, on bikes or roller skates. For the stroller ones, there are two walking paths along the site. At last for the most assiduous, and fond of nature, during the whole summer period, from Monday to Friday, visits are organized starting from the place known as Tombulu Biancu. These recreational and enriching visits will delight children as well as adults.The visits take the full morning in order to discover the site quietly, without being exhausted by the sun and the heat. For further information, please contact the lake of Biguglia.

Tel: 04 95 33 55 73 100 % Corsican whisky, called P & M. All these products and their making are to be discovered during the visits which take place during the summer, from Monday to Friday, from 10h30 am to 12h30 am and 2 pm to 6 pm.

Tel: 04 95 30 14 70 When you leave the Brewery, keep on the right hand side for 500 metres.

The nature reserve of Chiurlinu lake, commonly called lake of Biguglia.This lake, totally natural is made of brackish water, mixing Bevinco water, river which has its source in the mountains, and TyrrhĂŠnienne water which comes in through a gully in the North of the lake. There are many ways to discover this exceptional site, in particular by the richness of its fauna, 240 species live there, or its flora, with more than 300 vegetal listed species.You will discover many species of fishes, birds, batrachians, reptiles or insects, from the most famous ones to the most unexpected ones. For

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Marana Lido: All along Marana Lido road, you will discover splendid sand beaches bordered with pinewoods. Many of them are equipped and offer many sport and nautical activities. Several restaurants offer the possibility of tasting local specialities, among which the Boutargue: (dried fish eggs (mullets)). And to finish, this ideal vacation resort counts many hotels, holiday centres and camping sites.

Culture and heritage: By taking the Marana Lido road southwards, we get to the Mariana archaeological site and the ancient Canonica cathedral.

The Canonica roman cathedral was solemnly consecrated in 1119 and dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta (Assumption of the Virgin Mary), by the archbishop of Pisa, papal legate. Small-sized with its 33 metres from East to West, this church was built according to a basilica plan, with a central nave wider and higher than the side naves and a semi-circular apse covered with a cul-de-four vault. Construction material is polychrome, starting from grey-yellow to pale green, even passing by

blue and orange shades. It is in fact shale, a kind of marble, coming from the quarries of Brando in the Cap Corse. The door of the west façade is decorated with interlacing running onto the monolith lintel and on the archivolt which outlines a bare tympanum surmounted by six voussoirs sculpted with animals: from left to right a lion, two winged griffins face to face, a lamb carrying the Cross (symbol of victory over evil), a wolf and at last, a stag chased by a dog. Surrounding the cathedral, the excavations of Mariana’s early Christian site, are the most complete ever achieved in Corsica. It was Marius who, in 93 before J.-C. founded and gave its name to a colony constituted by the veterans of his campaigns against the pirates. August (27 before J.-C.- 14 before J.-C.) created a port and Mariana then became an important bridge-head for he Roman expansion in the North of the island. The excavations allowed the discovery of the bases of an early Christian basilica, dated the 4 th century, with three naves as well as a baptistery of the same era. From the original rich decoration, remain some mosaics and granite columns, witnesses of the initial splendour.

Taking the main road 193 from Lucciana crossroads towards Bastia.

Return to Bastia by the main road 193. On the seashore, a parking area on the right hand side offers a lovely view on Ficajola cove, the Citadel and the Tuscan Archipelago.

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Some useful information !

06 18 39 96 37 thierry.coulon@wanadoo.fr www.club-plongee-bastiais.com

Water Sports

20200 Bastia 04 95 32 87 83 umarinu@wanadoo.fr umarinu.com

Boat Renting Toga Location Nautique Port de Plaisance de Toga 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 34 14 14 tlnb@wanadoo.fr www.plaisance-location.com

Loco Lieu-dit Menta 20290 Borgo 33 (0) 4 95 59 09 69 contact@croisierecorse.com www.croisierecorse.com

U Marinu

33 (0) 4 95 32 67 33

Swimming pool Piscine de la carbonite 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 30 28 81

Piscine du Fango 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 32 42 15

33 (0) 4 95 31 87 03

Cercle Nautique Mare e Vela 33 (0) 4 95 31 41 83 www.ifrance.com/marevela

Others Activities Outdoor Sporting Activities In Terra Corsa Gare SNCF - BP 39 20218 Ponte Leccia 33 (0) 4 95 47 69 48 in.terra.corsa@wanadoo.fr www.interracorsa.fr

Office National des Forêts 33 (0) 4 95 32 81 90 www.onf.fr

Objectif Nature Skindiving Thalassa Immersion Ker Maria Les Minelli 20200 Ville di Pietrabugno 33 (0) 4 95 31 78 90 thalassa.immersion.free.fr

Club de Plongée Bastiais 20200 Bastia

33 (0) 4 95 32 30 64

Objectif Nature (cycles) 33 (0) 4 95 32 54 34

Base Nautique Arinella

33 (0) 6 81 05 63 19 www.croisiera.com

20200 Ville di Pietrabugno 06 09 51 21 18 www.teamcorsicafishing.com

Port de Plaisance de Toga 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 34 14 14 tlnb@wanadoo.fr www.plaisance-location.com

Cycles 20 (cycles) Sailing Club Nautique Bastiais

Croisier’a

Fishing Team Corsica Fishing

Bicycle and motocycle Toga Location Nautique (motocycles)

3, rue Notre Dame de Lourdes 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 32 54 34

Flying club Aéro-club de Bastia St Exupery 33 (0) 4 95 36 24 85

Riding centers Cavallu di Brando

Archery Club Omnisport Arinella 20200 Ville di Pietrabugno

Compagnie d’Arc de Ville de Pietrabugno 33 (0) 4 95 32 25 70

ASPTT de Bastia 33 (0) 6 81 54 73 98

Cyber café Five Café 5 bd Giraud 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 32 30 12

Oxy

Glacières de Brando 20222 Brando 33 (0) 4 95 33 94 02 vero.nicoli@wanadoo.fr

1, rue Salavatore Viale 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 58 27 96

École d’Équitation de Haute-Corse

avenue Maréchal Sebastiani 20200 Bastia

33 (0) 4 95 30 23 82 www.eehc.org

Golf Minigolf de San Damiano 33 (0) 4 95 33 68 02

Tennis Tennis Club Open 33 (0) 4 95 39 66 32 www.ligue.fft.fr/corse/

Tennis Club de Miomo 20200 Santa Maria di Lota 33 (0) 4 95 33 98 32 www.ligue.fft.fr/corse/

Détente Sports et Loisirs (squash) 20200 Ville di Pietrabugno 33 (0) 4 95 32 08 09

Tennis Club Ville de Pietrabugno 20200 Ville di Pietrabugno www.ligue.fft.fr/corse

Arob@se

Cinéma Studio Cinéma (2 salles) 1, Rue Miséricorde 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 31 12 94 www.studio-cinema.com

Régent Cinéma (4 salles) 5, Ter rue César Campinchi 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 4 95 31 30 31 www.leregent.fr

7e Art Cinéma (1 salle) 20600 Furiani 33 (0) 4 95 31 12 94 www.studio-cinema.com

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Departure : Place Saint Nicolas (opposite the Tourist Office) Length of the visit : approx.

45 minutes Price : € 6 Group price : € 5 (20 persons and more) (up to 12 years) The little train runs from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm (from april to october) Tickets are available from the train driver.

During the season, driver contact : Tél. : 33 (0) 6 09 37 00 54

Guided visits Bastia, town of art and history Discovery of Bastia by qualified regional tours guides The national GuideInterpreters will give you access to the Corsican cultural heritage, thanks to their knowledge of the important places for art in the island. High-quality tours guiding you to a discovery of what shapes the island identity : - Coach excursions, - Themed excursions, - Baroque Bastia, Genoese Bastia…

- Visits to buildings, access to unusual places…

Languages : French, German, Italian, English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Portuguese.

Association Cogitour :

Free shuttles In the town center from 8.15 am to 7.45 pm (from monday to saturday). For more information, please contact Tourist Office.

Casa Bella - BtB - Quartier Recipello - 20200 Bastia 33 (0) 6 15 11 14 99 33 (0) 6 14 66 92 35 33 (0) 4 95 34 24 56 cogitour01@sfr.fr www.cogitour.fr

Activities - Leisures Little train tours Visit the town on a little train to see the most typical parts of the town : Rue Napoléon, the Citadel and the Old Port.

Découverte du patrimoine de la Corse Guides Interprètes Diplômés Association Via Corsica Eurotourisme : Capizzolu Maison Valery 20217 Nonza 33 (0) 4 95 31 79 75 33 (0) 6 24 26 59 66 33 (0) 4 95 39 08 27 33 (0) 4 95 35 04 54 viacorsica@aol.com

Guided tours of Bastia From Bastia, excursions throughout Corsica Groups only.

Association Contact : 5, Place de l’église 20214 Calenzana 33 (0) 4 95 60 48 09 33 (0) 6 86 96 36 57 33 (0) 4 95 60 59 91 contactcorse@aol.com

Crédit photos : Editions Corses – t.bassani@balloide-photo.com Jambert – Shutterstock LLC images – T. Gruaist

Beaches Arinella Beach To the south of the town, this sandy beach has a Sailing Centre.

Marana Beach Situated on the lagoon strip, these pine-fringed sandy beaches begin 5 km south of Bastia Several of them provide many services to visitors (restaurants, tennis, minigolf, sports activities etc.)

Beaches of Cape Corsica These delightful stony beaches begin at the north exit of the town, along the coast road on the east side of Cape Corsica.

- Grigione beach 2 km - Miomo beach 4 km - Lavasina beach 5 km - d’Erbalunga beach 7 km

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