Bonifacio

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Shortened history of the castle:

It is built on a strategic site to effecticiently protect the city from sea attacks. The castle was built with four major construction campaigns. The castle was erected in 1492 under the authority of the Genoa. In 1553, the arrival of Sampiero and French troops led by Marshal de Thermes, work is being done to expand the citadel. Several buildings are destroyed in order to increase the defensive aspect of the city, including the church of Sainte-Croix, the first cathedral of the city of Genoa. In 1559, "The Great", Jacopo di Palearo Morco, an Italian engineer, strengthened the fortifications and separated the citadel from the rest of the city. Hexagonal, it will be given six massive bastions. Finally, in 1789, after the annexation of Corsica to France, the ditches are flushed to clean the premises.

Two other aspects a re remarkable on this site. First-of-all, the man-carved stairway of 187 steps, built according to the legend by the soldiers of the King of Aragon in just one night for the siege of Bonifacio in 1420. And second-of-all, the parapets, immense medieval fortifications of the city, which remain as they were several centuries ago, offering a splendid view on the sea.

Opening hours and additionnal information:

The citadel is open to public, without any fee.