From extraordinary new villas to culinary experiences, let us inspire you with our latest news. Corsica boasts a long, eventful and troubled history. Rarely has it ruled itself, often has it been fought over. The many powers that conquered Corsica ruled it without particular regard for its people or its prosperity. It has frequently been neglected, considered a Mediterranean backwater and treated with indifference.
Its varied, multifaceted history has, however, left it with a wealth of treasures, including megalithic archaeological sites, impregnable fortresses, picturesque towns, gastronomic delights and rich cultural identity. Named after their penchant for building towers, they eventually disappeared in around BC. The Romans exploit the island for its iron and wood, plant vines and extend the salt marshes. Chaos reigns.
It remains under Frankish control, with brief interludes of Lombard rule until the end of the 11th century.
Corsica is divided between the Tuscany-facing east, the so-called Banda di Dentro or Cismonte , and the western-facing Banda di Fuori or Pomonte. While the east side of the island thrives, the west remains isolated and relatively backward. Finally, in , the Genoese deal the Pisans a fatal blow at the Battle of Meloria and take control of the island. They hold rule continue until , though the legitimacy of their power is contested by successive Kings of Aragon.
It is following this event that the Genoese build a large number of towers along the coast to defend the island against marauding pirates. Pockets of the island, including the fortress towns of Calvi and Bonifacio , remain under Genoese control, however. This purchase, an illegitimate act in the eyes of the Corsican Republic, is validated in the Treaty of Versailles of After two years, however, the British pull-out and French rule resume.
In particular the Filitosa site which is the pride of the inhabitants! These monuments built between and BC were large stones erected to celebrate the deceased. There are also 80 menhir statues that were representations of enemies who died in battle. Proof of the existence of a civilization that had its own way of life and funeral techniques…. During this period Corsica suffered many invasions and attacks. Indeed, from the 5th century until the 11th century, the Vandals and Moors and Ostrogothic pirates looted the reserves of Corsican villages and captured women and men to make them slaves.
Legends tell that the Corsicans decapitated their enemies and wore their heads on spikes, hence the origin of the famous Corsican flag and its Moorish head. From , the island of beauty passed into the hands of the Pisans.
From this period followed the construction of many convents and churches in Corsica. The Genoese, jealous of the Pisans, gradually began to conquer Corsica and then succeeded in doing so entirely from onwards.
Five centuries of Genoese occupation followed, during which the famous Corsican Genoese towers appeared. Under the Genoese occupation, many tensions appeared against the Republic of Genoa. Behind the lights 4. A behind-the-scenes look at artisan tableware. Must-sees on your holiday in Corsica The gateway to Corsica is most often Bastia. Ile-Rousse West of Cap Corse at Ile-Rousse , one of these towers guards the island of Pietra, the largest of the string of islands of red porphyry rock that give the town its name.
Calvi In Calvi , the legacy of four centuries of Genoese domination have inspired the vast citadel perched on a rock overlooking the port. Ajaccio It is Ajaccio that perpetuates the memory of the flamboyant emperor. Porto-Vecchio South of Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio is achingly beautiful, its turquoise bay one of the most photogenic in Corsica.
A sporty relaxation: this is Corsica The Island of Beauty also takes its name from a hinterland, whose splendours are best revealed to the most active visitors. Land-sea mixture for a gastronomic stay on the island of Beauty To visit Corsica is also to savour the delicious delights of a characterful terroir.
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