Guide of Calvi

Calvi is in the north of Corsica and was already populated during Neolithic town and was expanded under the Roman emperor Tiberius.

History

The city was repeatedly destroyed by the Vandals and then the Saracens and Calvi was refounded in 1268 by Giovaninello de Loreto and became colonized by Ligurian families. Giovanni degli Avogari built an impregnable fort here which was besieged several times but it fell to neither the French or the Turks and was the last city on Corsica to become part of France. In 1793 Napoleon Bonaparte took refuge here and for this reason the English Admiral Nelson destroyed the Maison de la Gendarmerie.

What to see

The church of Santa Maria Maggiore, located behind the harbour is a very interesting Baroque style building with an unusual pink dome. Do not miss the Santa Maria chapel, which is very ancient. Take a walk around the heart of Calvi and discover the Cittadelle, a neighbourhood surrounded by clay coloured walls. Inside the walls, there are winding streets and be sure to find the Palais des Eveques de Sagone which was built in the sixteenth century and was the residence for the bishops. The Saint-Jean-Baptist domed cathedral has wonderful panoramic views.

Beaches 

The nearest beach to the city center is Plage de Calvi, a stretch of sand with some free beaches and others with services. A beach about 20 minutes by car, is Algajola, an ideal destination for kitesurfers. Arinella is another very interesting beach with white sand and long coastline with crystal clear water.