Saint Nicolas Square is also an irresistible invitation to sit down, in summer and winter alike, to eat or drink on one of the many cafe or restaurant terraces and enjoy a moment of tranquillity. And how can you fail to comment on the timeless, old-world shops that have endured through the century, giving this old street additional charm.
Special mention must be made of the Christmas season, when the lights turn the street into a magical wonderland. Sheltered from the bustle of the city, these gardens are the perfect place to enjoy a stroll, especially in springtime when nature has been replenished and the scent of flowers fills the air. When discovering the Citadel Quarter , one tip will help the lazier among us: Some months ago, Bastia acquired something a little out of the ordinary: a lift linking Terra Nova in the Citadel Quarter with Terra Vecchia the lower city.
Recently opened, this cultural site above the port hosts concerts, plays and similar events. The city is one of art and history, and it displays its most precious treasures with pride. You should also wander over to Guasco Square with its pretty trees and benches which are perfect for those who need a rest.
To the left, a narrow street leads to the Cathedral of Saint Maria Maggiore , whose silver statue of the Virgin Mary is the pride of the Bastiais. Religion has a very important place in Corsica throughout the year, and is particularly important to its Easter celebrations. Below, Sainte Croix Church and its Black Christ statue reveals its flamboyant baroque on what is, incredibly, Vatican land Every citadel has its Gunpowder Store and Bastia is no exception! If you love the sea, if you love to walk and if you love the unusual, this trip is for you!
Made of stone and iron and merging with the sea, this promenade has very quickly become the place to be. Near the Old Port, the iconic but long overlooked Puntettu neighbourhood and historic heart of the city has recently been rehabilitated, and with great success!
