Batterie Saint Francois Escalier Zoom Meurtriere Bonifacio

The city's military history told through its remains

Saint-François bastion and fortifications

Curious about Bonifacio’s military history? Then head for the Saint François battery, a defensive site classified as a historic monument since 1929, whose construction dates back to the Middle Ages and continued for centuries. Now that the work has been completed, you can once again walk along the parapet walk, looking out towards the Madonetta lighthouse or Sardinia. And what about the breathtaking view over the Goulet? A walk that’s far from ordinary…

From the Middle Ages to the 20th century

700 metres of fortifications

Meet us at the extreme tip of Bonifacio, the southernmost point of the town and the island. On one side, the marine cemetery with its distinctive atmosphere; on the other, opening out towards the sea yet seemingly protected by it, the batteries defending access to the port, including the Saint-François battery, a fortified complex whose oldest constructions date back to the 12th century. This linear fortification – which stretches for 700 meters around the city – was consolidated, amended and modified until the 20th century, with the aim of defending the city. Almost a thousand years of military history are waiting to be discovered. You can imagine the men who stood watch as the ships of the Crown of Aragon arrived in the 15th century. Until the 20th century and the departure of the Foreign Legion in 1983, the site was used as a military base. If these stones could speak…

“Opposite Saint François, look out for the Madonetta lighthouse, which has watched over the town’s maritime entrance since 1854. Take a closer look on the path rehabilitated by the Conservatoire du littoral.”

Protect, fortify, defend

From Pisan fortifications to 1930s casemates

Bonifacio’s various occupants sought to fortify the few accessible parts of the city. Developments in artillery techniques led to the protection of land and sea approaches. The first fortifications date back to the Pisan era, during the High Middle Ages. Genoa took over in the 12th century, erecting a wall atop the cliffs. It was regularly reinforced for the next 300 years. Following the siege of 1553, a new wall was built, based on the bastioned system that can be seen today. With the arrival of the French in 1768, the town’s fortifications changed very little. Between 1850 and 1905: a new access road to the upper town was created, the town was separated from the military area, the coastal batteries were modernized and a second barracks was built: Bonifacio was a garrison town. From 1930 onwards, new defensive structures were built in the Bonifacian countryside: modern coastal batteries, beach and axis defense casemates, underground shelters and numerous masonry fighting positions still exist today…

To test the ability of warships to enter Bonifacio, in 1897 the Cuirassé Marceau was brought into the Narrows. But the narrowness of the harbor and the lack of maneuverability for large ships meant that only small vessels were assigned to Bonifacio.

At sunset

The Saint François Battery has undergone an incredible restoration project, with scaffolding erected above the sea. Now you can explore every nook and cranny of the Battery, discovering its secrets and incredible views over the Bouches de Bonifacio… A defensive site, but not the only one.

A very photogenic place

If you like unusual images, the Saint-François battery is a must-see, thanks to its breathtaking views over Le Goulet. All along the battery, loopholes, nooks and crannies and staircases offer a different view of the panorama. Go down to the small area at the foot of the Fanale tower and approach the loopholes: the Madonetta lighthouse stands out like a postcard. Climb back up the brothers’ staircase and take a look at the cemetery…