This island is one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean. Only Sicily, Sardinia, and Cyprus are larger. It lies 105 miles (170 km) from southern France and 56 miles (90 km) from northwestern Italy, and it is separated from Sardinia by the 7-mile (11-km) Strait of Bonifacio. Ajaccio is the capital. Corsica is still commonly described as one of 22 regions of metropolitan France. This island is the birthplace of Napoleon. It is also famous for it’s terrain, natural environment, and the first Corsican constitution, which was drawn up in 1755 for the short-lived Corsican Republic independent from Genoa beginning in 1755 and remained in force until the annexation of Corsica by France in 1769.
A Few Places On The Island
Bonifacio
Bonifacio is a medieval town that lies upon a white limestone cliff on the southern coast of Corsica. Other names for this town is the “Mediterranean’s Sentinel” and the “Citadel of Cliffs”. This town is the source of the name for the 11-kilometer-long Strait of Bonifacio. The islands of Sardinia and Corsica were once joined, but were torn apart by volcanic activity, from which granite rock remained in the waters. This water now has multiple pirate ship wrecks and ancient vessels. This has become an attraction for divers. Founded about 828 AD as a defense against pirates, the town was taken from Pisa at the end of the 12th century by the Genoese. Traditionally, it has remained Genoese, the inhabitants speaking Genoese dialect and refusing to adopt such Corsican customs as the vendetta.
Ajaccio
Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica. It was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1769. His ancestral home, Maison Bonaparte, is currently a museum displaying family heirlooms. Musee French, founded by Napoleon’s uncle, houses a large collection of Renaissance art. Ajaccio’s old town is characterized by pastel-colored buildings, palm-lined streets, and chic cafes.
Bastia
In this city, bars and restaurants line the Old Port, with the Church of St. Jean-Baptiste behind it. Terra Nova was built by Genoese rulers. Nearby is the Cathedral of Ste. Marie, filled with paintings and marble statues. The Governor’s Palace houses the Bastia Museum, showcasing the city’s history.
Calvi
Calvi is a town on the northwest coast of Corsica. It is known for it’s beaches and it’s crescent-shaped bay. An old citadel looks over the water from the bay’s western end, and is home to Baroque St-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and cobbled streets. Restaurants line the harbor on the Quai Landry esplanade. Perched on a high hill a short distance inland, the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Serra has wide views of the area.
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