Corte citadel, Military citadel in Corte, France
Corte citadel rises on three defensive levels from a rocky outcrop overlooking the convergence of the Tavignano and Restonica rivers. The fortress combines residential quarters, military fortifications, and storage areas within its fortified walls.
The citadel was commissioned in 1419 by Vincentello d'Istria to consolidate control over central Corsica and serve as a regional power base. Its multi-level design reflects ongoing defensive requirements and administrative needs across centuries.
The Museum of Corsica, established within the citadel walls in 1984, exhibits 3000 objects representing regional lifestyle and religious practices.
Walking inside the citadel requires careful footing on old stone stairs and uneven surfaces, especially in wet weather. The central hilltop location makes it straightforward to reach the historic upper town on foot and explore nearby hiking trails.
An underground passage named A Volpe connects different parts of the fortress and functioned both as a dungeon and ammunition storage. This hidden corridor allowed inhabitants to move around and store supplies without exposure to the view from above.
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