Place Saint-Nicolas, Pedestrian square in Bastia, France.
Place Saint-Nicolas is a spacious square in Bastia's port area, stretching roughly 280 meters long and 80 meters wide. Ancient palm trees line the perimeter, framing views toward the commercial harbor, while cafés, restaurants, and shops run along the edges.
The square was built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries on reclaimed land from the gulf, which was filled to accommodate railway tracks. This coastal transformation shaped Bastia's development as a major port city.
Two statues stand at opposite ends of the square: one depicts a mother mourning her son lost in war, while the other represents Napoleon Bonaparte, sculpted by Lorenzo Bartolini. These monuments reflect the community's connection to military sacrifice and historical figures significant to the island.
Parking options surround the square, with both free and paid spaces available nearby. The wide, flat surface makes it easy to walk through and explore, suitable for visitors of all mobility levels.
A music kiosk built in 1908 stands on the square and was restored in 2020, bringing back its original appearance. On Sundays, a flea market fills the space with local residents selling handmade goods and regional products.
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