Emblem of a fortified city

The bastion de l’étendard

Whether you’re interested in history, heritage or simply scenic beauty, the Bastion de l’Étendard has something for everyone… An essential part of the citadel, dominating the port from its majestic 25-metre height, this historic monument has the distinction of being the highest bastion in France. The views from its terraces are undoubtedly spectacular… As the centerpiece of the fortifications, it stands like a sentinel in a picturesque landscape, protecting the citadel, the marina and the Bouches de Bonifacio with its imposing stature for over 5 centuries. In less than an hour, get ready for a photogenic historical tour!

Stroll the Esplanades of the Bastion de l'Étendard

The tour begins with a privileged access to the Esplanades, the highest point of the site, with the sweet promise of a pleasant stroll where your gaze is bound to marvel at Bonifacio’s natural splendors. A veritable “Garden of Landscapes”, you’ll be seduced by plunging views over the port, sensational panoramas of Sardinia and Bonifacio’s iconic cliffs. Contemplate, but also understand… Understand this monument, wonder about its rich historical past. The interpretive panels that dot the route reveal a wealth of information about this monument, so strategic to the city’s defense.

I RESERVE

“U tempu pio passà, Bunifazziu è eternu: centuries can pass, Bonifacio is eternal”.

The underground rooms

Enter the heart of the fortifications

A visit to the underground chambers of the Bastion de l’Étendard holds other promises. You’ll find yourself at the heart of Bonifacio’s bastioned system. A must-see! A large circular room, a vestige of the ancient medieval tower, opens onto small casemates carved out of the rock. These were once used by soldiers to keep watch over the harbour and the Genoa Gate, the only entrance to the citadel. After all, the Bastion remains a crucial checkpoint in the city’s defense! Today, during your visit, you’ll have the chance to discover a museography punctuated by explanatory panels and video-projections that immersively retrace 1,000 years of fortifications. You’ll be immersed in the city’s medieval past, and discover how the fortress has evolved over the centuries to meet Bonifacio’s defense needs.

Did you know

The beautiful cliff-top town boasts an impregnable citadel. Thanks to its highly ingenious defensive system, Bonifacio’s citadel has never been conquered since the 16th century. Bonifacio, an impregnable citadel!

The thousand faces of the Bastion

An emblematic site of the fortifications, the Esplanades du Bastion take on many facets depending on the season: European Heritage Days, immersive projections during the Festi Lumi light festival, theatrical tours, exhibitions… The monument continues to come alive in all seasons!

A family discovery!

Leave your children’s vacation notebooks behind for a while… and come and visit the Bastion as a family. Every child aged 7 to 11 will receive a free game booklet to help them understand the history of this military site, while having fun at the same time. Riddles, riddles, hidden words, your children’s brains will be put to the test! At the end of the tour, a nice reward awaits the bravest.