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Population & Culture
Corsica was dominated by the Genoese throughout the middle ages, before being conquered by the French in 1768. Between the battles of these two powers, the Corsicans always fought to defend their identity, and from 1755-1768 had achieved virtual independence. With a language very close to Italian, the habits of mountain folk in the centre alongside the culture of fishing villages near the coast, along with a proud will to distinguish themselves from metropolitan France: Les Corses are still loyal to their traditions today.
The religious heritage in Corsica is considerable, and is shown through a strong mobilization of people to restore churches and chapels. Asides from being devoted, many communities see the cultural value of heritage symbols. At any rate, certain religious festivals are still very popular, for example the night time procession of Catenacciu on Good Friday. Corsican polyphonic songs can be heard, sacred catholic songs were once used by shepherds, to transmit daily occurrences, culture and history. Today, these internationally recognized songs often express important ideas and values among Corsicans.
A Corsican proverb, "E megliu has a panza more piena chè u corpu biodù" says it is better to die on a full stomach than an empty stomach ... And rightly so, because the island cuisine has some clear favourites: coppa , lonzu and wild boar sausage are used for artisanal charcuterie; brocciu, is the "National Cheese" of Corsica, and goat and sheep cheeses abound; eggplant and calamari stuffed with Bonifacio cakes or chestnut flour ... these can all be accompanied by a local beer or a good wine from the hillier regions.
Places of Interest:
- The walled city of Bonifacio, located atop tall limestone cliffs, faces Sardinia and Lavezzi
- The hamlet of Girolata accessible only on foot or by boat
- Scandola Reserve: steep cliffs, red rocks, deserted inlets, validated by UNESCO
- Sanguinary Islands at the entrance of the Gulf of Ajaccio
- Piana inlets
- The white sand beaches of Palombaggia
- The clear waters in the bay near Roccapina and its natural lion sculpture
- Restonica Gorge
- The needle shaped rocky formations at Bavella that make up an amazing mountainous site
- Lake Bastani
- The Monte Cinto
- Archaeological site at Filitosa: with its fortified village, ruins of towers, statues and menhirs.
- The coastal area near the Agriate desert.
