Bastia (Corsica France)

Bastia is a port city located on Corsica Island's northeastern coast. The town has a population of around 43,000, ranking it Corsica's 2nd-largest - following Ajaccio.

Bastia is the island’s principal port (ferry and cargo) and main commercial town. It is also well known for its fine wines. About 10% of the population are immigrants. Commune’s unemployment rate has persistently been among the highest in France, standing at more than 20% in 2004. The inhabitants are known as Bastiais (Bastiaises).

Terra Vecchia, the old town, is built in and around the central part of the harbour and is a network of alleys connected by vaulted passages. Sights of interest include the Law Court, Theatre, City Hall and the classical Church of San Giovanni Battista. From here cruisers can visit the St Florent resort or Cap Norse, rugged peninsula with profuse wildflowers, quiet traditional fishing villages, and vineyards.

Settled in the 14th century by the Genoese who built a fortress in order to protect it, Bastia was the capital of the isle until 1791. In 1745 the city was held by the British during the War of the Austrian Succession. However, it was soon recaptured by the Genoese, who sold the island to France in 1768. Bastia was again occupied by the British from 1794 to 1796, during the French Revolution. In 1942-1943 the Germans occupied the city, during World War II.