Col de Teghime, Mountain pass in Barbaggio, Corsica, France
Col de Teghime, also known as Bocca di Teghjime in Corsican, is a mountain pass in northern Corsica, France, linking Bastia on the eastern coast with Saint-Florent on the western side at around 530 meters (1,740 ft) above sea level. It sits within the Monte Stello massif, between two ridges, and is crossed by the D81 road running through the village of Barbaggio.
In October 1943, the pass was the scene of fierce fighting between Moroccan Goumier soldiers and local resistance fighters on one side, and German forces on the other. Taking control of the pass proved decisive for liberating Bastia, making Corsica the first French department to be freed during the war.
The Corsican name of the pass, Bocca di Teghjime, carries the same meaning as the French one. Some historically called it the 'Slate Pass' because of the schist and slate rocks that give the terrain a darker, layered look different from much of the rest of the island.
The pass is accessible year-round via the D81 road linking Bastia and Saint-Florent, with parking available at the top. Being above 500 meters (1,640 ft), conditions can be noticeably cooler and windier than on the coast, so an extra layer is useful outside of summer.
A memorial stele at the top carries inscriptions in both French and Berber, honoring the Moroccan Goumier soldiers who died here, a rare dual-language tribute reflecting their North African origin. Alongside it stands an old cannon from the wartime fighting, left in place as a reminder of what happened on this spot.
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