Citadelle de Corte - Citadella di Corti

Corte, Haute-Corse, France, France

---

The Citadelle de Corte, also known as the Citadella di Corti, is Corsica’s most distinctive fortress and the island’s only major citadel built inland.

Perched high above the town of Corte at the confluence of the Restonica and Tavignano rivers, it began with a castle constructed in 1419 by the Corsican noble Vincentello d’Istria, while the larger citadel was expanded by French forces after 1769. The fortress played a central role in Corsican history and became especially important during the 18th century, when Pascal Paoli made Corte the capital of the independent Corsican nation.

Its strategic position earned it the nickname “Eagle’s Nest,” and it changed hands several times between Genoese, Corsican, and French forces. Today, the citadel is one of Corsica’s most important historical landmarks. It houses the Museum of Corsica and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, combining military history, Corsican culture, and impressive scenery in a single site.