Bonifacio, Corse-du-Sud

Bonifacio ( Corsican: Bunifaziu ) is a port city on the southern tip of the French Mediterranean island of Corsica (department of Corse- du-Sud ) with 2938 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011). She gave the Strait of Bonifacio called strait between Corsica and the island of Sardinia, 12 km away her name.

Geography

The place is divided into two areas: the Ville Haute ( Upper Town ) called medieval old town and the marina in the harbor area. The Ville Haute is located at an average altitude of 70 meters above sea level on a parallel in the form of a 900 -meter long, narrow strip of land to the coast white cliffs behind the inland a deep fjord -like incision (French Calanque ) forms a well-protected natural harbor. This serves as a fishing port and marina. Furthermore, Bonifacio is a center of commercial shipping and ferry traffic to the neighboring island of Sardinia and of tourism, especially in the summer months.

History

The official founding of Bonifacio to the year 828 and the Tuscan Count Bonifacio II back. Archaeological finds prove, however, that the area was already inhabited in prehistoric times. 1187 succeeded the Genoese with a list to take the city. Apart from an interruption in the years 1553-1559 ( Sampiero Corso ) Bonifacio remained until 1768 in the hands of Genoa. Since 1768 Bonifacio is under French rule. 1793 Napoleon prepared here before the failed invasion of Sardinia. During World War II Bonifacio was occupied in 1942 as Corsica is of German and Italian troops.

Attractions

The port of Bonifacio with the limestone plateau in the south and it settled old town is probably one of the most impressive in the Mediterranean. The outer banks is so washed out that the houses stand on it like on a balcony.

The old town, whose narrow, cobbled streets of four - to five -storey houses are lined, can be reached via a drawbridge and a landscaped zigzag tunnel to the citadel. The panorama can be enjoyed from the many vantage points, illustrates why Bonifacio was always driven to protect the harbor from the unpredictable weather and ocean currents in the Strait of Bonifacio. There is also a view of the built-up with houses sandstone cliffs, into which the sea has dug deeper and deeper over the centuries, so that the caves formed, which are a popular tourist destination.

The unique location made ​​the city again and again to the center of fighting, which is why it has been expanded over time into a fortress.

The caves are the target of organized boat trips from the harbor, while the cliffs can be admired from the sea. Good to see from there is also the so-called staircase of the King of Aragon, whose steps lead into the stone hewn from the upper town to the sea.

Along the cliffs of Bonifacio himself has a walk out to the southeast to the southernmost point of Corsica, the Capo Pertusato. From there, a beautiful view of the city opened.

The restaurants in the harbor are specialized in the preparation of freshly caught fish.

The citadel of Bonifacio

Sea Grotte du Sdragonato - Dragon Cave near Bonifacio

Recreational boating

The well-protected in all weather harbor located at the end of the narrow " Calanque " and therefore offers no opportunity for sailing yachts cruising. The entrance itself is difficult to make out the houses of the old town on the plateau to the east are easy to recognize.

Clearly visible is the white square tower with the residential building of the lighthouse at Cap Pertusato, which can be seen from the south and west. Coming from the north, the white lighthouse with black gallery on Cap de Feno is the best country brand. On the cliffs below the old town of restored watchtower and carved into the rock stairs ( staircase of the King of Aragon ) are seen.

Distances from other ports

Others

In Corsica, there are seven ports, which, of transport ships or ferries from the French (Marseille, Toulon, Nice) or Italian (Savona, Genoa, La Spezia, Livorno, Piombino ) coast, and from Sardinia (Santa Teresa di Gallura, Porto Torres Palau ) be approached. These are L' Ile- Rousse, Calvi, Propriano, Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Bastia and Porto -Vecchio.