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 (7 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 (8 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 (9 months ago)
Nice place, worth a visit?

Coralie Pattenden (10 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 Zvonimir Hrvoj

Historic Site of the week

Church of St Donatus

The Church of St Donatus name refers to Donatus of Zadar, who began construction on this church in the 9th century and ended it on the northeastern part of the Roman forum. It is the largest Pre-Romanesque building in Croatia.

The beginning of the building of the church was placed to the second half of the 8th century, and it is supposed to have been completed in the 9th century. The Zadar bishop and diplomat Donat (8th and 9th centuries) is credited with the building of the church. He led the representations of the Dalmatian cities to Constantinople and Charles the Great, which is why this church bears slight resemblance to Charlemagne's court chapels, especially the one in Aachen, and also to the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. It belongs to the Pre-Romanesque architectural period.

The circular church, formerly domed, is 27 m high and is characterised by simplicity and technical primitivism.

Calvi Citadel