Bastia history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Bastia dates back to the late 14th century. The city was founded in 1378 by the Genoese governor Leonello Lomellini. Initially, a fortified structure — a donjon — was erected on a rocky promontory, designed to control trade and protect the coast from raids.

The city's name comes from the Italian word "bastiglia", meaning "fortress" or "bastion". It was this citadel that became the core around which the modern city subsequently grew, replacing the former administrative centre in Biguglia.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Strategic Geography: Its location on the north-eastern coast of Corsica provided the shortest and most convenient sea route to Genoa, which was critical for communication with the metropolis.
• Political Power: The transfer of the Genoese governors' residence to Bastia endowed the city with the status of the island's capital, a title it held for several centuries.
• Security and Landscape: The high cliff provided natural protection for the nobility and administration, while the bay at the foot of the cliff allowed for the development of a port.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Historically, Bastia formed as a city of two districts. Terra-Nova (New Land) is the fortified Citadel where the administration and Genoese nobility resided. At the foot of the fortress walls, around the old fishing harbour of Porto-Cardo, Terra-Vecchia (Old Land) developed — a centre for trade and craftsmanship.

The economy of the early city was built on maritime trade and fishing. The main exports of Corsican goods passed through the port of Bastia: olive oil, timber, and local produce, which contributed to rapid economic growth and attracted merchants.

Major Milestones in the History of Bastia

• 1378: The Genoese ruler Leonello Lomellini lays the foundation for a fortress (bastiglia) to protect the coast, which is considered the official founding date of the city.
• 1480: The construction of powerful fortress walls around the upper district of Terra-Nova is completed, finally shaping the appearance of the Citadel.
• 16th–17th Centuries: Bastia asserts its status as the capital of Genoese Corsica, becoming the permanent residence of governors and the island's main port.
• 1745: During the War of the Austrian Succession, the city comes under heavy bombardment from an English squadron.
• 1768: Under the Treaty of Versailles, Bastia passes under the jurisdiction of France, becoming the centre of French military and civil administration.
• 1794: The city temporarily becomes the capital of the Anglo-Corsican Kingdom after being captured by the British fleet.
• 1796: French troops regain control of Bastia, definitively securing its belonging to France.
• 1811: Napoleon Bonaparte moves the island's capital to Ajaccio, stripping Bastia of political primacy but retaining its economic leadership.
• Mid-19th Century: Large-scale industrialisation begins, along with the construction of the New Port to accommodate large merchant and passenger vessels.
• 1862: The grand opening of the new Palace of Justice marks the architectural renewal and expansion of the city.
• 1943: Bastia suffers heavily from bombing but becomes the first department of France to be fully liberated during World War II.
• Late 20th Century: Extensive reconstruction of the historical centre, the Old Port, and the Citadel is carried out to develop cultural tourism.

Stages of Development and Transformation of Bastia

The evolution of Bastia is a journey from a military fortress to the economic capital of Corsica. Each era has left its mark on the layout of streets, architecture, and the lifestyle of the citizens.

• Formation of the "Double City" (15th–17th Centuries):

  The clear division of Bastia into the upper Citadel (Terra-Nova) and the lower port (Terra-Vecchia) defined a unique urban structure. This zoning consolidated the social hierarchy: administration and nobility on the hill, merchants and sailors by the water, which facilitated the development of two independent but interconnected centres of activity.

• The Era of "Baroque Bastia" (17th–18th Centuries):

  During this period, the city experienced a cultural flourishing marked by large-scale religious construction. The erection of majestic temples, such as the Church of St. John the Baptist, and rich oratories filled the urban environment with works of art and formed a recognisable architectural silhouette dominating the harbour.

• Economic Reorientation (post-1811):

  Napoleon's decision to move the island's capital to Ajaccio deprived Bastia of political power but became a catalyst for a change in development vector. The city focused all resources on trade and entrepreneurship, successfully securing the status of Corsica's undisputed economic leader.

• Urban Planning Breakthrough of the 19th Century:

  The creation of Place Saint-Nicolas became a symbol of the city expanding beyond the narrow medieval walls. The arrangement of a huge open space by the sea not only modernised the urban landscape but also shifted the centre of public life, creating a promenade of European standard.

• Modernisation of Sea Gates (Late 19th Century):

  The construction of the New Port and the development of ferry services radically changed the region's economy. The ability to receive large cargo and passenger ships turned Bastia into a major logistics hub connecting the island with France and Italy.

• Urbanisation and Southward Expansion (20th Century):

  Demographic growth and post-war recovery led to active development of the southern outskirts (Lupino and Montesoro districts). This transformation turned Bastia from a compact seaside town into a modern agglomeration with developed infrastructure and new residential areas.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architecture of Bastia represents a harmonious synthesis of Genoese heritage and 19th-century French urban planning. The city is often called the most "Italian" on Corsica due to its dense buildings, tall coloured facades, and abundance of religious structures. The historical centre is clearly divided into two parts: the towering fortified Citadel and the coastal Old Port.

Eras and Styles

• Military Architecture and Renaissance (14th–16th Centuries): The foundation of Bastia's urban planning was laid by the Genoese. The Terra-Nova district (Citadel) is a classic example of fortification architecture with massive bastions, fortress walls, and a narrow, intricate grid of streets designed to protect residents from winds and invaders.
• Baroque and Rococo (17th–18th Centuries): This period is considered the heyday of the city's religious architecture. Bastia is famous for its "Corsican Baroque" — a style combining the monumentality of external forms with incredibly lavish interior decoration of churches and oratories (marble, gilding, frescoes).
• Neoclassicism and Haussmannisation (19th Century): A period of active city expansion under French administration. During this time, the modern centre was formed with wide boulevards (such as Boulevard Paoli) and residential buildings in the Tuscan style. Urban planning focused on spaciousness, symmetry, and access to the sea.

Iconic Buildings and Ensembles

The architectural portrait of Bastia is formed by several key landmarks, each symbolising its own era:

• Governors' Palace (Palais des Gouverneurs): The central element of the Citadel. Originally a defensive tower rebuilt into a residence, it combines the austerity of a military fortress with elements of palace architecture.
• Church of St. John the Baptist (Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste): The main symbol of the Terra-Vecchia district. It is the largest church in Corsica, built in the classic Baroque style. Its recognisable silhouette with two symmetrical bell towers rises above the Old Port.
• Place Saint-Nicolas: A grand project of the 19th century, one of the largest squares in Europe. It symbolises a break with medieval confinement, offering an open space with monuments, an esplanade, and buildings of the bourgeois era.

Historical Figures and Writers

• Leonello Lomellini (14th Century) — Genoese governor and founder of the city.
  A key figure in the history of Bastia. It was he who, in 1378, made the strategic decision to build a fortified citadel (bastiglia) on a rocky promontory, which gave rise to the city and defined its name.
• Salvatore Viale (1787–1861) — Magistrate, poet, and writer.
  An outstanding enlightener born in Bastia. Known as the author of "Dionomachia" — the first significant literary work to use the Corsican language, which played an important role in preserving local culture.
• Angelo Rinaldi (born 1940) — Writer and literary critic.
  A native of Bastia who became a prominent figure in French literature. A member of the Académie Française, he glorified his hometown in his novels, describing the lifestyle and atmosphere of Corsica.

Artists and Athletes

• Cesar Vezzani (1888–1951) — Opera singer (tenor).
  One of the greatest French tenors of the first half of the 20th century. Born in Bastia, he conquered the stages of Paris and the world with his powerful voice, becoming the pride of Corsican musical culture.
• Henri Padovani (born 1952) — Musician and guitarist.
  A native of the city who gained world fame as one of the founders and the first guitarist of the legendary rock band The Police. He actively participates in the cultural life of the island.
• Adil Rami (born 1985) — Professional footballer.
  Born in Bastia. A defender who reached the pinnacle of his sports career by becoming a 2018 World Cup champion as part of the French national team.