オートコルスの洞窟・トップ4

The **Citadel of Corte**, also called the "Nid d'Aigle" (Eagle's Nest), is an impressive fortress towering high above the Corsican city. ### 🛡️ Brief description: * **Unique location and construction history:** The only major Genoese fortress in the island's interior, built on a rugged rocky outcrop – erected in 1419 by Vincentello d'Istria, and significantly expanded in the 18th century according to Vauban principles. * **Structure & Defense:** Three defensive levels with defensive walls, battlements, a castle ("Nid d'Aigle"), and barracks high above the confluence of the Tavignano and Restonica rivers. * **Historical significance:** Center of Corsican power under Pasquale Paoli (1755–1769), later a garrison, prison, and site of the Foreign Legion until 1983. * **Current use:** Since 1984 as the **Museum of Corsica** (art, history, and anthropology), headquarters of the FRAC CORSICA, tourist office, and multicultural center – open to the public, including barracks, prison, and outdoor facilities. * **Views & atmosphere:** Breathtaking panoramas over Corte and the river valleys beyond (Restonica, Tavignano), plus a step-by-step tour of impressive architecture. **In brief:** The Citadel of Corte – a historically significant fortified structure in the eagle's nest style, a unique site in the Corsican highlands. Today, it houses fascinating museums, diverse cultural offerings, and offers spectacular views. Ideal for those seeking to combine history, architecture, and landscape.

The Citadel of Saint-Florent is an impressive, historic fortress overlooking the city's picturesque harbor. Built in the 15th century (from 1440/39) by the Genoese under Giano Campofregoso, it was expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries with two round towers and a striking square tower structure. Architecture: The cylindrical main structure with two crescent-shaped towers and a square keep is striking – a masterpiece of military architecture. Strategic Location: It maintained a view and control over the Gulf of Saint-Florent and protected important trade routes, as well as Bastia in the background. Historical Significance: It played a central role in several sieges (1553–54), and was the site of Pascal Paoli's exile in 1795. It was later converted into a garrison and gendarmerie base. Damaged during World War II Today: Municipal property since 1986, protected as a historic monument since 1991/94; serves as a cultural space with summer exhibitions and music festivals, with magnificent panoramic views. In brief: The Citadel of Saint-Florent is a massive, circular Genoese fortress with three towers, strategically located above the town. It reflects centuries of turbulent Corsican history and today offers cultural uses as well as spectacular views of the harbor and gulf.

Very nice with its panoramic view next to the citadel

Beautiful view over the bay of St. Florent

Calvi is located 95 km from Bastia and 24 km from L'Île-Rousse on the Gulf of Calvi. The city consists of the lower town, where the town hall, the market square and the important marina are located, and the upper town, dominated by the governor's palace and the citadel. Corsica has seven ports served by transport ships or ferries from the French (Marseille, Toulon, Nice) or Italian (Savona, Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno, Piombino) coasts and from Sardinia (Santa Teresa di Gallura, Porto Torres, Palau). These are L'Île-Rousse, Calvi, Propriano, Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Bastia and Porto-Vecchio. Ferry services in Calvi have since been suspended.

Calvi is a French port city on the northwest coast of Corsica and the capital of the Balagne region. With 5,746 inhabitants, it is the fifth largest municipality in Corsica.

Although malaria raged devastatingly, the town was fiercely fought over by the French, Genoese and Corsicans in the 16th century. However, little remains of the fortress built in 1439, apart from the round keep. The fortress itself was demolished in the 17th century when Genoa's rule seemed secure and Saint-Florent no longer had any strategic importance. The town experienced a new growth spurt after Napoleon III ordered the draining of the swamps, thus eradicating the cause of malaria.

Saint-Florent dates back to a small settlement that once arose in the protection area of the Genoese round fortress. The citadel was built by the Genoese in 1440 and served as the seat of the Bishop of Nebbio and the governor's palace until the 18th century. The small Pianese church from the 12th century, Santa Maria Assunta, was built as a cathedral for the then diocese of Nebbio.