Citadel
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Why go
- 360-degree views over Calvi.
- The 15th-century Palais Giubega, once a summer residence of the Bishops of Sagone.
Don't miss
- Entrance gate inscriptionThe inscription dedicates the fortress to Genoese builders and protectors of the town’s citizens.At the entrance on Place Christophe Colomb
- Church of St-Jean-BaptisteIts prominent dome marks the church.Inside the citadel
- Maison PacciolaNapoleon reportedly hid here while fleeing Ajaccio in 1793.Inside the citadel1793
Know before you go
- The military compounds remain in military use and cannot be visited.
- Open 24 hours every day.
What's inside
- Beyond the surviving entrance drawbridge, narrow, winding lanes run through the fortress.
- Laurent Giubega’s house, associated with Napoleon Bonaparte’s godfather.
- Callelu Tower stands low on the south side at harbor-promenade level. Built in 1495, it was later used to store gunpowder and salt.
Tips for your visit
- The citadel is open 24 hours daily; this does not establish opening hours for its church, palace, oratory or other buildings.
- A tourist information centre is located in the citadel.
Interesting facts3
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The Casa delle Compere di San Giorgio bank funded the fortress project from the early 15th century.
Zitadelle Calvi - Wikipedia -
The complex served as a defensive position, refuge and place of residence.
Zitadelle Calvi - Wikipedia -
A plaque above the entrance bears the motto “Civitas Calvi – semper fidelis”.
Zitadelle Calvi - Wikipedia
Shorts
History
The Genoese-built fortress took shape from the 13th to the 15th centuries. The Monument aux Morts stands outside near the entrance and commemorates those killed in three wars.
- 13th–15th centuriesThe fortress was built with Genoese support.
- 13th c.The Church of St-Jean-Baptiste dates to the 13th century.
- 1625The church became a bishop’s residence church.
- 1628–1747The church was restored after extensive destruction.
- 1794Calvi fought a siege against Pascal Paoli’s Corsican Revolution for Independence.
Photo spots
- Monte Grossu and the seaViews from the citadel toward Monte Grossu and the sea.From the citadel
How to get there
- On footFrom the harbor promenade, follow Boulevard Danièle Casanova to Place Christophe Colomb and the entrance drawbridge.
- ParkingA car park is at the citadel.
- On footAddress: Haute ville, 20260 Calvi, France.
Sources: Zitadelle Calvi - Wikipedia · Calvi, the citadel, the bay and... the famous e… · I would like to know everything about Balagne -… · Discover Ile-Rousse while you're on holiday in … · Village of Galeria Balagne Corsica - paese di G… · checked 6 Oct 2026
- Phone
- +33 4 95 65 16 67
Questions and answers
Which part of Corsica is the Citadel in?
On Corsica’s northwest coast, in the Balagne landscape.
When did construction of the Citadel begin?
In the 13th century, continuing into the 15th.
Who financed the Citadel’s early-15th-century project?
The Casa delle Compere di San Giorgio bank.
What does the Citadel’s memorial commemorate?
Those killed in three wars.
Is Christopher Columbus’s birthplace inside the Citadel established?
The birthplace identification is a local legend; other cities also make the claim.
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