Bastia Cathedral, Religious landmark in Bastia, France

Bastia Cathedral, or Sainte-Marie, has a pale yellow Baroque facade with white trim, four large pilasters with ornate capitals on the lower level, and a projecting white cornice. The upper level has vertical pilasters, arched niches, and a central arched window, rising to a stepped, carved top. A 38-metre campanile stands beside it.

A parish church was begun on this site in 1489 and was already serving as the bishop's cathedral by 1496. It was rebuilt from 1604, when the first stone of the present church was laid; the vaults of the three naves collapsed in 1611 and the work was finished with a legacy from Giovanni Pasquale Corso, a Bastia-born sea captain who died at Seville in 1612. The church was consecrated in 1625 and served as pro-cathedral of the Diocese of Mariana and Accia from 1570 until 1802, when that see was suppressed and joined to Ajaccio.

The cathedral is named after the Assumption of Mary, a tradition deeply rooted in the region. Inside, you can see religious artworks that reflect how the local community expressed their faith.

The building is located centrally in Bastia and is easily reached on foot, especially from the old harbor district. Keep in mind that opening times can vary depending on religious services happening inside.

The cathedral holds the throne of the governor of the Kingdom of Corsica, set facing the bishop's throne in the choir. Every two years the outgoing governor handed over the keys and sceptre of the kingdom to his successor here, on a silver tray.