Bastia’s Bastille
Founded in the 14th century, Bastia was the capital of Corsica throughout the period of Genoese domination until 1768. On the high ground overlooking the entry to the small port of Marina di Cardo, the first Genoese governor of the island ordered the building of a small bastille or fortress which became the residency of all the future governors of Corsica.
The building of the Citadel started in 1378 and concluded with the construction of the bell tower at the entrance of the fortress in 1530. The ramparts were added between 1480 and 1521, however the present appearance of the citadel and the other constructions forming the defenses of Bastia date back to the time of Louis XV. Also within the Citadel are the church of Santa Maria, begun in 1495 and consecrated in the early 17th century and the chapel of St. Croix, built in 1547 to house a wonder working crucifix, the Christ of Miracles. Around here you can also find the interesting Museum of Corsican Ethnography, with material on the history of the island, and a Military Museum.
The Citadel quarter is known as the Terra Nova, the new town, as opposed to the Terra Vecchia, the old town.