The island of Corsica
January 6, 2008
Corsica: Napoleon’s birthplace is the uncut jewel of France
Corsica is located approximately 200 km (124 miles) from Nice, and 10 km (6.2 miles) from Sardinia; and is home to 260,196 inhabitants. A territory of France, its regional prefecture is Ajaccio, and it is composed of two districts: South Corsica (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B). It is fourth largest island of the Mediterranean, after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus, covering 8680 km2 (5394 square miles).
Since days of old, the island has occupied a strategic and very coveted position on maritime shipping routes. A mountain on the sea, its geography and its physical properties have had a great influence on its history. It is also possessed of a remarkable historical and artistic heritage, counting more than 167 buildings preserved as official historic monuments, including the “House of Bonaparte” in Ajaccio. Prehistoric times and fascinating archaeology on the island can be explored in Bonifacio, Levie and Felitosa, Different passages in history are evident in sites such as the city of Aléria, that bears witness to the Greco-Roman period, and Bonifacio, whose streets carry resounding echoes of medieval times.
Corsica’s political history is almost as rocky as its mountainous terrain. Changing hands a number of times and coming under a variety of influences, it was purchased by France from Genoa in 1768. The island figures prominently in the history of France as the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, who was born in Ajaccio into minor Corsican nobility. Since the island was under French control at the time, Corsican nobles were offered the ability to gain titles in France if their genealogy could be proven. Napoleon’s parents traveled to court in France, and like many other Corsican nobles, sent their son to school in France. Somewhat paradoxically, Corsica, the island that produced one of France’s most famous leaders, continually debates independence from the France he led. While many both in France and Corsica oppose total independence for the region, plans for more Corsican autonomy, including the preservation of the Corsican language, have been discussed.
Through the centuries, one thing has remained constant: the beauty of the island. Indeed, from the Greeks to our days, a whole succession of civilizations has marveled at the breathtaking Corsican landscapes, impressive enough to earn Corsica the nickname “Isle of Beauty”.
Corsica is above all a land of mountains, with an average altitude of 568 meters (1864 feet). The central range of the island extends from north to south in a succession of peaks, slopes and gorges. This mountainous solid mass, whose summits exceed the 2000 m, as Monte Cinto (2710m or 8891 feet) and Monte Rotondo (2625m or 8612 feet) divides the island into two parts: The Eastern, fertile and rich plain and the Western coast, with a terrain more jagged and full of cliffs. This central chain is also traversed by many rivers, most of them pristine and free of any pollution, that empty into the sea. Similarly, the island also possesses rare lakes of glacial origin.
Despite its far-southern location, Corsica’s nature is green and luxuriant. The forest covers almost a third of the territory, of which 40% is also covered n brush. The vigorous and twisting terrain of the island is also an exceptional habitat in terms of bio diversity, and Corsica has been quick to emphasize and to preserve this superb environment in five local natural reserves plus a Regional Natural Reserve. Created by France in 1972, the latter covers 37,500 hectares and 145 villages. The fauna and the flora of the island, its traditional architecture and the heritage it has built here are put on display, and this site makes it possible for visitors to discover an exceptional and rare place.
In the same way, the Conservatory of the coastline protects another great natural assets of the island. More than 200 km (124 miles) of Corsica’s coasts are protected from any construction. Corsica is known for its fabulous coastal landscapes and its colorful and varied marine life. With its 1034 km (643 miles) of coastline, it is a can’t-miss destination for vacationers in yachts and sailboats, tourists and enthusiasts of deep-sea diving. The island also boasts other considerable tourist assets, like its sunny climate, its warm, crystalline waters and its variety of rocks and beaches. The shores makes up an amazing mosaic of landscapes, such as the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, the sandy East coast between Solenzara and Bastia, the flaky metamorphic rock of the Corsican cape and the pink granite found from Saint-Florent to Solenzara.
For centuries, Corsica has enchanted visitors from France and around the world with its history and landscapes of contrasts. Between its skyscraping mountains and green valleys, coasts and fine sand beaches, Corsica is unified in a rare beauty and a preserved environment.
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