The Oath of Bonifacio — Uncover the Citadel's Hidden Betrayal

Your quest begins at the Port of Bonifacio, a natural harbor formed by a ria, capable of accommodating approximately 450 berths. Mentioned as early as the 12th century, it was a strategic refuge for the Genoese fleet and the starting point for Corsican military expeditions. Moving away from Quai Jérôme Comparetti, named in honor of the 19th-century Corsican magistrate, you follow the traces of ships that connected Bonifacio to Italy. This first step immerses you in the city's maritime past, a key element of its role in the Genoese heritage in Corsica and in the long history of the 15th-16th century medieval fortifications you are about to explore.

The Montée Saint-Roch, a historic access road paved since the 16th century with an average slope of 12-15%, leads you towards the citadel of Bonifacio. It is here, halfway up, that the Chapelle Saint-Roch was erected between 1630 and 1650, dedicated to the protector against the plague. From this strategic viewpoint, Genoese sentinels monitored the port and maritime approaches, ensuring the security of one of France's most beautiful villages. This ascent is a prelude to discovering the Place d'Armes, the heart of the fortified citadel's military and administrative life.

You reach the Place d'Armes, a central fortified space of approximately 40 m × 30 m, paved with local limestone since the 16th century. This square served as a gathering area for Genoese troops and was a place of public execution until the 18th century. Surrounded by Genoese administrative buildings, including the partially ruined Governor's Palace (15th-16th century), it is a silent witness to the decisions that shaped the history of Bonifacio. It is here that Governor Nicolas Sauli might have observed defense preparations against threats such as that of the Ottoman admiral Dragut Reis in 1541.

The Remparts de Bonifacio, classified as a Historic Monument, stretch for about 1.5 km, erected by the Republic of Genoa between 1420 and 1540. With a height of 15-20 meters and a thickness of 3-4 meters, they feature 5 main bastions, including the Bastion de l'Étendard. These fortifications resisted the Ottoman sieges of 1541 and 1571. By walking along these walls, you will understand why the Citadelle de Bonifacio is a site archéologique Corse du Sud of such importance, a symbol of Corsica's resilience against invaders. Your exploration will then lead you towards the medieval Rue des Deux Ponts.

Your journey concludes with the Escalier du Roi d'Aragon, a monumental staircase carved into the limestone cliff, comprising 187 steps. Although tradition attributes its creation to Peter of Aragon in the 14th century, recent studies suggest a Genoese construction in the 15th-16th centuries. This access to an underground freshwater source was strategic during sieges. Finally, the Porte de Gênes, the citadel's main fortified gate, marks the end of your investigation. Built in the 15th century, it was the Genoese control point until 1768, when Corsica was ceded to France. Your interactive visit to Bonifacio will have unveiled the Corsican heritage and the secrets of this ancient city.