Sightseeing in Bastia - what to see. Complete travel guide

Bastia is one of most beautiful ancient towns of Corsica. This is a famous economic and financial center of the island and an internationally famous resort. The center of the city is Saint-Nicolas Square, one of the most beloved places of rest of either local people or visitors. When you start sightseeing in Bastia, you should start it from this square.

The southern part of this town is the place of a famous monument devoted to Napoleon Bonaparte. Western Bastia is full of cozy cafes that will make your walk in this town more attractive. Bastia is an economic and trading center of Corsica, so here you can find most famous trading centers and pavilions. The best destination for them is Paoli Boulevard, which is known as the most popular place for shopping fans. Southern Bastia is the location of old city districts. Here you can see the old Citadel and Port.

In order to view the Old Port completely, you may need a whole day. Here you will see ancient boats and homes, or visit restaurants decorated like ancient taverns. Special yacht rides are organized for visitors every day or you can visit the old lighthouse, which top level is turned into an observation area featuring a magnificent panoramic view of the town and haven. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

While returning to the central square from the port, you can take a walk on the oldest region of the city - Terra Vecchia, which cozy narrow streets and old houses are perfect for a walk and greatly contrast with modern buildings. Actually, after this you can complete your sightseeing here. Bastia is widely known as a large commercial center, but one cannot say the town doesn’t have any cultural values.

In the ​​Terra Nova district, too, there are several interesting places to take a stroll to. The centre of this area is considered to be ​​the Donjon square, which preserved a beautiful tower of the 16th century. Over the years, the tower was used as a prison, it incarcerated Corsican nationalists, among whom was Samperro Corso. 

In the immediate vicinity of the old tower is one of the most popular bars in town - Bar de la Citadelle. Its value is not only in rich selection of refreshments and relaxing atmosphere, but also in its beautiful view of city, that opens up from the bar. 

Not far from the square is the Governor's Palace - a beautiful monument of architecture in the Moorish style. This beautiful palace of the 14th century, which was originally built for the governor, also has a very dark and eventful history. After the capital of Corsica was moved to Ajaccio, this beautiful palace was turned into a prison, and in the late 18th century it was completely destroyed during the attack of the British. The historic monument was restored only many years later, and in 1943 it was again partially destroyed by an explosion. Restoration work was carried out in the palace, and now, in its repaired part is an interesting ethnographic museum. 

Those who love scenic walks, should definitely visit the charming Romieu park in Bastia. This park is located on the hillside; it was founded in 1870. Today in this park you can see exotic trees and flowers, which are brought from different corners of the world. There are huge pomegranate trees as well as rare species of pine trees. The park is equipped with comfortable paths and stairs, during the summer period various curious entertainment events are held there for the visitors. 

On Sunday you should definitely go to the St. Nicholas Square, there is a market which is always open on weekends. In the morning hours virtually all residents of the city gather to the square to buy fresh farm products, flowers and other essential household goods. This market is very popular amongst tourists, as here they can buy cheap interesting souvenirs. In this market, there are also antique dealers, which will be of interest to the collectors. Bastia is an amazing modern city with a historic ambience.