Corsican culture
Having learned the history of Corsica, it is difficult not to start studying its culture. Indeed, on the territory of Corsica, there were so many tribes that replaced each other. And each of them has left its mark on modern culture.
Corsica has preserved a wealth of artistic and cultural heritage. This can be noticed by walking along the streets and exploring the local attractions. Therefore, the first thing that can tell about the culture of the island is the historical sights.
The Genoese Towers, which dot the coast of the island, are one of the most spectacular sights. Among them, the most remarkable are the Nonza Tower on the Cape of Corsica, the Capitello Tower in the Gulf of Ajaccio. The Corsican coastline is dotted with towers that have become the island’s symbol. Although not all of them are of Genoese origin, they are generally referred to as “Genoese towers”. The construction of these towers was provoked by the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453: from that time on, Turkish robbers began raiding the Genoese possessions. The construction of the towers began in the 16th century at the request of rural communities to protect the population from pirates. Today, of the 85 towers described at the beginning of the 18th century, 67 have survived. The garrison of towers consisted of from two to six soldiers recruited from residents. These soldiers resided permanently in the tower. They were supposed to leave the tower (to buy food or receive a salary) only one at a time. The soldiers of the garrison kept the signal fire, and in the mornings and evenings, they went around the neighborhood. In case of an alarm, the signal was given on the terrace at the top of the tower, it was smoke, fire, or the sound of Culombu — a large shell, warning of the approach of an enemy ship.
The citadels of Bastia, Calvi, and Bonifacio are splendid evidence of the construction of the main defenses by the Genoese. The Citadel of Corte is one of the rare relics built by the squires of medieval Corsica. Corte was built as a military fortification of the interior lands of Corsica because the structure is located on a strategically important site and occupies a decisive position in ensuring control over all the interior regions of the island. It is believed that the Citadel Corte was built in 1419 for the Viceroy of Corsica, Vincentello d’listria. And now there is a national museum.
The historic site of Filitosa, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its stone statues (c. 6000 BC) illustrates the fact that in this area of southern Corsica, different civilizations have replaced each other over the centuries.
And of course, all these attractions can be reached with comfort on eMoped, without thinking about further parking near historical sites.
