The old port in Bastia, Corsica
There are two islands I have wanted to visit. Corsica and Sardinia. I have yet to get to Sardinia but I did have a brief opportunity to go to Corsica.
A citadel hidden - antiquity persists
Corsica is a French island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is located west of Italy, southeast of the French mainland, and north of the Italian island of Sardinia. It is very mountainous with mountains comprising two-thirds of the island, forming a single chain. I was in Bastia the entire time, which is at the north of the island. It is a lovely old city, looking a little tired but still bustling with energy.
Bastia from a distance with a ferry parked in the distance
Historically, Corsica has been occupied by the Carthaginians, then colonized by the ancient Greeks, and an only slightly longer occupation by the Etruscans. It was then incorporated by the Roman Republic and became, with Sardinia, a province of the Roman Empire.
A beautiful old ketch sailing by the old port in Bastia
In the 5th century, the Roman Empire collapsed and the island was invaded by the Vandals, the Visigoths, the Saracens, and the Lombards. The Genoese took possession of the island in 1347, and governed it until 1729. Corsica was briefly an independent Corsican Republic from 1755 until its conquest by France in 1769.
Ferries from the citadel
Corsica’s culture contains elements of both the French and Italian. Napoléon Bonaparte was born in 1769 in the Corsican capital of Ajaccio. The northern town of Calvi claims to be the birthplace of the explorer Christopher Columbus. So as you can see, lots of history.
The path to enlightment
Corsica is beautiful. Unfortunately I did not get the opportunity to explore the amazing coast lines and mountains so will have to return for such an adventure. However, as I was there during Bastille Day, I did get to see an amazing fireworks display. The weather was hot, the water was warm and the people were lovely. One day the wind was absolutely crazy and watching the massive ferries trying to negotiate the small ferry port was entertainment in and of itself. The only thing lacking was the ability to take out a sailboat to explore the coast and enjoy the ocean. But as I always say, the island is not going anywhere, so I will just have to return.
Ferries coming and going in Corsica
It’s good that you have made new entries in your blog, because I’ve missed reading about your adventures.
As always, I like your history lesson, your pictures and of course, the title for this post.
I just have one question: do they speak Corsican, French or Italian in Corsica?
Thanks Ines, well I have missed posting. They speak French and Corsican in Corsica and I am sure there are some who speak Italian too, but French and Corsican are the main two.