Calvi Citadel, Calvi, France

The Genoese Citadel is the main part of the town of Calvi, and its most important historical monument. It was a military outpost in the 15th century that helped guard the city against attacks from Franco-Turkish raiders to Anglo-Corsican armies. Inside the battlements, don’t miss the well-proportioned Caserne Sampiero, a military barracks that once served as the Genoese administration's seat of power, and the 13th-century Cathédrale St-Jean Baptiste, whose most celebrated relic is the ebony Christ des Miracles, credited with saving Calvi from Saracen invasion in 1553.

The citadel sits high above Calvi port from where it towers over the sea. From up here you get some great views of the coast and harbour.

Address

Carrughju Agnese, Calvi, France

See all sites in Calvi

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in France

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby

Corte Citadel (43,1 km)
Algajola Citadel (9,4 km)
Church of the Trinity and San Giovanni (11,3 km)
San Giovanni Battista (45,2 km)

User Reviews

Gabriela Menendez (6 months ago)
No taxis, no trash cans and train routes are not accurate. Expect to walk especially If you're staying at the near by camps. City was lovely, tourist friendly and lots of picturest spots.

Vincent Randy Heslop (7 months ago)
Beautiful landmark with lovely views of Calvi and the surrounding coastline. A lot of uphill trekking, so prepare yourself for reaching the top! There are restaurants, gelato, jewelry shops and art displays worth a visit.

Stian Kolstø (8 months ago)
Nice place, worth a visit?

Coralie Pattenden (9 months ago)
Spectacular views of the town below and lots of little, interesting streets to lose yourself in. There are various signs with information and an audio tour I believe people can do (although we didn't). A lovely little church can be found near the top and a delicious ice cream parlour.

Clare Weber (2 years ago)
This is an amazing place. The view's from the top are so beautiful! There is a very old church on top of the Citadel. Beautiful architecture. Friendly city!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright discopalace

Historic Site of the week

Sigmaringen Castle

Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.

The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.

These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.

Calvi Citadel