Citadella di Calvi — Attraction in Calvi

The Citadelle is one of my favourite places in the world.

ℹ️ As an "of a certain age" visitor, beginning of September was best for me. Not crowded, the weather is still great, and everything is still open.

ℹ️ Entry is free You can enter from 2 directions: A) from town - from Rue Georges Clémence, past the Monument aux Morts (war memorial). B) from the marina - Quai Landry, with the Tour du Sel et Caponnière (Salt Tower) as reference.

ℹ️ Mobility Either way is a steep climb, but so much to stop and see, you won't tire. The view is absolutely breathtaking. 360-degree panorama of the city. If you're using a car or scooter, there's limited parking at entrée de la citadelle (entrance to the citadel). Or you can continue to drive up about halfway to the Memorial de guerre (memorial of plane crash) parking lot.

ℹ️ Public bathroom WC (public bathrooms) at the Citadelle are about halfway up, just past the Bastion San Giorgio, open 8h00-20h00.

ℹ️ Self guide You'll find that historical sights are interactive. They're also all numbered. To reorient yourself if necessary, visit no 6 Table d'orientation about halfway up.

ℹ️ Music school and concerts There are frequent music evenings, sometimes weekly 🎼 Cathédrale St Jean-Baptiste and 🎼 École de musique, near the Oratoire St Antoine

It is prominently advertised so you can't miss it. Absolutely worth it to visit at least once. Do confirm the entrance fee though.

ℹ️ Church service ⛪ Mass at the Cathédrale St Jean-Baptiste, should you wish to attend. Confirm times on the notice board at the entry to the church.

ℹ️ Restaurants Restaurants and cafés are mostly clustered near the Cathédrale.

Firm favourites 🍹Ô Fao 🍹 A Scola glaces artisanales has amazing ice-cream (worth the price) 🍹A Candella and 🍹Le Café Colomb are both in rue Saint-Antoine, a side street past the Cathédrale. 🍹La Voûte for typical Corsican fare. It is just past Caserne Sampiero.

ℹ️ Shopping There are a few shops at the entrée de la citadelle. I really liked the soaps from 🛍️ Savonnerie A.S Figarella. Compared to other establishments, very reasonably priced too.

Right opposite Cathédrale St Jean-Baptiste is 🛍️ A Scola with Corsican products.

Just past this, at the Piazza d'arme is 🛍️ La Cave de Christophe Colomb. Very reasonably priced for both souvenirs and canistrelli.

To reach 🛍️ L'Attelu for stunning cutler and wood turner products, follow the route from the Memorial de guerre (memorial of plane crash) parking lot.

ℹ️ Landmarks you absolutely want to see. The absolute highlight for me.

🌟Entrée de la citadelle (entrance to the citadel) and Remparts de la citadelle 🌟MUDACC (Art museum) 🌟La Poudrière (Powder Magazine) 🌟Bastion San Giorgio 💡Memorial de guerre (memorial of plane crash) plaque can be seen on the wall overlooking the ocean 🌟Table d'orientation (in case you need to orient yourself) 🌟La maison de Laurent Giubega’s (Laurent Giubega’s House) 💡Ancien Hôpital Militaire (old military hospital) is permanently closed, but you can still see it from outside 🌟Cathédrale St Jean-Baptiste (Cathedral of St.John the Baptist) 💡Piazza d'arme 🌟Oratoire St Antoine (Oratory of Saint-Antoine 🌟Le palais des gouverneurs (Governor’s Palace) and Caserne Sampiero (Sampiero Tower) 🌟Maison natale de C. Colomb (Columbus House Ruins) 💡U carrughju di u Filu (The Filu Alley) 💡Centre ville le porte 🌟Tour du sel & caponnière (Salt Tower) ⚓ Le porte...

The citadelle of Calviis amazing place. You can reach it easily by walking through the rock ladders that connect the downpart of the city with many restaurants and shops.

The citadelle is the old fortified city, governed during the centuries by Genova (Italy), Corsica, Great Britain and France. Many wars occurred in behind the walls that you can see and touch, it's emotional.

The citadelle has of course an amazing view on Calvi and on the gulf, perfect for taking many photos and at the sunset time is even better.

Last note, the citadelle corseves many original houses and the church, and now some very nice restaurant and bar...

An interesting place to visit. A bit more than a hilltop fort, more of a secure settlement. It's occupied by various families many of whom have lived there generations. There are two churches, a couple of cafes and tourist souvenir shops. The French Foreign Legion have a museum there, admission free. There are spectacular views from many different parts of the perimeter walls/battlements overlooking Calvi Bay on one side and Point Revelato on the other. Access is free although it is a steep climb to start with. Worth a visit,...