Bastia, Port city in northeastern Corsica, France.
Bastia sits on the northeastern coast of Corsica between mountains and the Ligurian Sea with three harbors along the bay. The city divides into two main quarters: the citadel on a rocky headland and the harbor quarter with wide squares below.
Genoa founded a fortress here around 1380 as a trading post and named it after the Genoese word for stronghold. The Republic of Genoa expanded the fortifications in the 16th century and made the settlement capital of its Corsican holdings.
The Old Town carries the name Terra Nova from the Genoese term for new land and shows narrow streets with pastel-colored houses. Small craft shops sell local products like myrtle liqueur and chestnut flour beside cafés overlooking the sea.
The railway station connects the city with Ajaccio and other locations along the coast through regular trains. Ferries depart multiple times daily to the mainland and Italian ports from the Terminal Sud harbor.
Locals dip sardines in fresh Brocciu cheese made from sheep or goat milk for a typical island dish. The feast of Saint Andrew in November brings processions through the narrow streets with singing in the Corsican language.
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