Citadelle Marina Habitations Vue Aerienne Bonifacio

A medieval citadel above the seaArchitectural jewel

Bonifacio citadel

If you’re planning a visit to Bonifacio, the first question you have to ask yourself is: how do you get the most out of this town of remarkable beauty and rich history? By boat or on foot? There are two options for enjoying a visit to this thousand-year-old citadel of elegance, an architectural gem in the far south.

A visual odyssey from the sea to the hillside alleys

Seaside: Inevitably, from the sea, the view of this astonishing medieval city perched over 60 metres above sea level is grandiose! The dazzling white of the cliffs, the ochre-painted medieval walls and the intensely translucent turquoise blue… We encourage you to start with this choice!

An early-morning stroll by the sea? You’re guaranteed a visual treat. And whet your appetite for the discoveries to come.

On land: Step back in time and follow in the footsteps of the valiant soldiers of yesteryear. From the port, take the only path that led to the citadel in the Middle Ages: the Montée Rastello, a beautiful climb that will reward you with beautiful views! Those plunging down to the sea and the cliffs, and those opening up the horizon towards Sardinia’s craggy coastline. Stop for a moment near the chapel of Saint-Roch. Inhale, inhale, look – this breathtaking landscape is yours for the taking!

Short on time? There are other ways to explore this unique site: a trip on the little train from the port, or a stop for a few hours directly in the heart of the citadel. With its numerous parking lots, you’ll be able to park as close as possible to… history.

“In Bonifacio, we’re Bonifacians before we’re Corsicans”.

A Genoese heritage to preserve

Ready to explore Corsica’s southernmost medieval city? Let’s start by revealing its fascinating history! Bonifacio has had a thousand faces over the centuries: Pisan, Genoese, Corsican and French. However, it is to the powerful Republic of Genoa that Bonifacio owes its greatest period of prosperity and secular attachment! In 1187, this republic took possession of the city then under the aegis of its rival, the Republic of Pisa. This marked the beginning of a romance lasting almost six centuries…

Now masters of Bonifacio, the Genoese established a trading post – one of the most flourishing in the Mediterranean – and went on to build, shape and protect this noble city, giving it its current appearance over the centuries. The stage is set: to visit Bonifacio is to dare to go somewhere else… to Liguria, or more precisely to Genoa in the 15th century!

Although Bonifacio is often referred to as the “citadel”, historians make a distinction between “citadel” and “presidium”. A presidium is a fortified complex inhabited by a population charged with defending the city and ensuring its activities. Sound familiar? And a citadel has a purely military function. Bonifacio was the first presidio built by the Genoese in Corsica, at the end of the 12th century.

An impregnable citadel with a captivating history!

Towers, watchtowers, bastions… Reinforced in the 16th century, the city’s ingenious defensive system is still considered an architectural feat today. And it’s not uncommon for historians to describe the citadel as impregnable.

Two epic sieges, famous figures such as Napoleon and Charles V, and a medieval city that became a garrison town in the 20th century.

Follow your intuition

A few steps into the citadel and you’ll quickly get the feeling of getting lost in the shadow of the fortified walls. You can’t resist wandering through the narrow streets and tangled buildings, beautifully decorated with medieval arches and geminated bays. Follow your intuition, and these picturesque streets will always lead you to a small square offering sumptuous panoramic views of the Mediterranean horizon. A special treat: Piazza Manichella, a feast for the eyes!

To prolong the wonder, the famous Escalier du Roy d’Aragon, the emblematic Bastion de l’Etendard and the unusual Gouvernail, all historic sites of the citadel, promise further adventures into the heart of history.

At the end of the day, not far from the cemetery, on the esplanade in the Saint-François district, the magic is still in full swing. A hint? The cliffs are adorned in shades of orange and pink. Sit back and contemplate! You’re back in the 21st century, and the setting sun offers you its last moments over the citadel.