On a rich and picturesque shoreline, called "the garden of Corsica", stand beautiful villages with a strong identity, shepherds, craftsmen, farmers and, on the seaside, a proud city, Calvi. The beautiful and large Genoese citadel, built on a promontory, proudly dominates the port. From its ramparts, the view of the bay is magnificent. The capital of Balagne is therefore today a seaside town but also a cultural one. Third largest tourist city in Corsica, it is, all year round, animated by many festivals. In July, it is time for "Calvi on the Rocks". An event that attracts a trendy fauna, eager for long evenings and Corsican pleasures. Unmistakable!
Calvi is divided into upper and lower town. The lower town is centred around the marina, one of the busiest on the island. While the waterfront and docks are crowded in summer, the city is less frequented the rest of the time and is full of historical treasures to discover. Especially in the upper city around the Citadel. This is the work of the Genoese at XVe siècle and to linger on these fortifications is an unmissable moment during a visit to northern Corsica. We start by stopping in front of the oldest palace occupied at the time by the Genoese Governors (only to be visited during the Heritage Days in September) now known as the Sampiero Barracks and under military supervision. This massive construction of the XIIIe siècle, flanked by a keep, was built by Giovanninello and then enlarged in 1554 by the Office of Saint-Georges. Then it is time to visit Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral. The exact date of its construction is not known with certainty, but is in the 13th century. It was originally owned by the Genoese monastery and then erected as a cathedral. It was burned down in 1481, restored and enlarged in 1528, partially destroyed in 1553 and then damaged again in 1567. It was in 1570 that it took on the appearance we know it today with its classical Baroque style. Inside, we discover many ancient objects, such as the carved wooden triptych depicting the Annunciation of Christ
A little further on, the oratory, the headquarters of the Saint-Antoine brotherhood, still houses the meetings and ceremonies of the brotherhood (offices of the dead, ceremonies, patron saint's day, office of darkness, Holy Week, etc.) because the building has never been desecrated. Visitors will be able to appreciate two frescoes dating from 1510 and 1513, including a triptych depicting a Crucifixion and the Annunciation, a late 17th century Christ on a cross still used today for Holy Week ceremonies, a statue of Saint Anthony the Abbot seated (15th century) and another of the same saint from 2006 by the Balanin artist Toni Casalonga. Very close to the oratory, the Guibecca house, which dates from the 15th century, was a residence of Napoleon's godfather who must have found it pleasant to be on holiday on another part of the Corsican coast. Finally, it will be necessary to take a look at the Salt Tower. Built in 1495, it is an old lookout post where salt was stored. This tower was attached to the citadel in 1934. The extension now forms a vaulted passage between Landry Wharf and the commercial port. The ramparts of the Citadel and the Salt Tower were classified as Historic Monuments in 1992 and obviously also offer exceptional views of the bay, mountains and the Gulf of Revellata. A gulf that calls for swimming
Everyone to the beach!
Because, a few meters from the marina, begins the beach of Calvi. A 5 km long sandy tongue bordered by a magnificent pine forest and a very pleasant wooden footbridge. It has a surveillance and emergency station in summer and is equipped with a water park, several establishments, water sports activities, a playground on the sand for children. Calvi beach is ideal for children because they walk very far into the sea.
To the south of the city, the beach of Alga in Revellata, this classified and preserved peninsula 4 km long which offers a wide view of Calvi and its bay. Not to be missed also when it comes to putting down your towel, Argentella beach is one of the quietest on the Isle of Beauty and a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. In short, these are dream spots for those who love the calm, the seaside and the romantic landscapes and who will push the discovery by stopping regularly at the roadside on pretty little coves
Calvi on the Rocks, the trendy festival
Finally, after sitting by the sea to enjoy excellent fish and seafood, as well as some good local cheeses (with a few local labels), it will be time to enjoy the Calvi on the Rocks festival. A unique event, which is distinguished above all by its exceptional environment, and punctuated by the sweetness of life, music, surprises, encounters and exchanges. A festival combining music and art of living, between moonlight concerts at the foot of the Citadel, musical naps on the beach, petanque drinks on the central square and tastings of local cuisine on a corner of the table. And to finish the night, the unforgettable aftershows in the city's clubs contribute to the aura of this summer event
Smart info
When? When? Of course, you can go to Calvi all year round. The most pleasant months are May-June and September-October. To attend the "Calvi on the Rocks" festival, visit the Corsican city between July 5 and 10, 2019
Getting there. You arrive on the Isle of Beauty by air or by sea, with Corsica Ferries in particular, after having taken the train or your car. Calvi has an airport and by boat you can board from Nice, Marseille or Toulon.
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