Citadel at the end of Corsica
Bonifacio commune at the southern end of Corsica, located opposite Sardinia, reveals all these charms as soon as you arrive. This trip to this centuries-old city promises us beautiful photos. I arrive at my destination after a good half-hour drive from Porto Vecchio. The port is on my right...but what catches my eye is the Citadel perched more than 70m above the sea.
Before starting my visit, there are 2 things that I must do and that I advise you. - Arrive early (8 a.m. for example) and park in car park n°5 at the top of the Citadel (allow 0.70 euros/quarter of an hour) - Book your crossing to the Lavezzi Islands if you intend to go there (in the afternoon it will be too late, the boats are taken by storm) A small plan is worth more than a long speech here it is below
So I'm going to park in this famous car park n°5 at the top of the Citadel. I begin my visit by taking a "look" above the cliff. At the bottom the boats enter and leave the port through a wide open gorge towards the sea.
In a few moments they will be at the end of the Marina... The sea is reaching out to them
I continue my journey towards the old defenses of the Citadel. In the middle of the 19th century a battery of cannons was set up to defend the passage between Corsica and Sardinia. Already for centuries, facilities to defend against invaders had been erected. The history of this city is full of twists and turns
A few meters away... "The rudder"... military site dug into the cliff. You will have to descend 168 steps to reach a room located 10 meters above sea level. This room, built in 1880, housed a powerful projector that was used to illuminate the passage to the Marina. It will cost you 3 euros for the visit.
I continue my visit by heading towards the marine cemetery. As soon as one enters this place one feels tranquility. Many small chapels are perfectly aligned. One could almost imagine being in one of these Greek islands. This place is famous for watching the setting sun playing with the funeral alignments.
It's time to head downtown. I pass a tower erected at the entrance to the city
A few tens of meters further, the old caser crossing the narrow and lively streets of Bonifacio The barracks were built in 1731 to house an Austrian expeditionary force at the start of the Corsican revolutions. In 1773, the French army transformed and enlarged it.
Here I am in front of the Saint Dominique church The church was built in the 13th century by Dominican monks. The monument has been classified as a historic monument since 1862. It is the only Gothic-style church in Corsica. Bonifacio has 5 churches (4 in the upper town and one in the port)
I continue my visit towards the Porte de Gênes crossing the narrow and lively streets of Bonifacio
Here I am at last Porte de Gènes, I discover the port from the fortified city. There is the possibility of visiting the "Bastion of the Standard"; By visiting this museum, you will better understand the history of this city. Allow 30 minutes for the visit at the price of 3.50 euros.
I end my visit with a short walk on the Capu Romanilu path located near the access ramp to the Porte de Gènes. A paved path takes you there. Arrived at the top, a splendid view at more than 80 meters above the sea allows you to discover the Citadel from another angle. Stay there and wait for the sunset...
To finish one last piece of advice: take the "Monument Pass", it will allow you to access the monuments more easily.
Have a good trip to Bonifacio and good photos
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