Museums of Bastia

Bastia Museum

Museums of Bastia not only preserve city’s heritage but also serve as vibrant cultural centers, contributing to the Bastia’s identity as a hub of Corsican history and art. Inside the city there is only one museum – Musée de Bastia, but is pretty worth to visit to understand better local culture.

 

Museums of Bastia

Bastia is home to several significant museums that highlight its rich history, culture, and art. The most prominent is the Palace of the Genoese Governors, now the Bastia Museum (Musée de Bastia), located in the citadel of Terra Nova. This museum offers a journey through seven centuries of the city’s history, combining collections of paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts. It also features works from the collection of Cardinal Fesch, showcasing Italian art from the 17th and 18th centuries, and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events.

Another notable museum is Fortin Ecomuseum dedicated to showcasing the island’s traditional way of life, especially its rural and agricultural heritage. Located in a restored fort or traditional building, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience into Corsica’s past, displaying tools, artifacts, and exhibits related to farming, craftsmanship, and local customs.

 

Bastia Museum (Musée de Bastia) – Governors’ Palace

The Palace of the Genoese Governors in Bastia, now a museum, holds a special place in Corsica’s heritage. Located in the heart of Terra Nova, the citadel district founded by Ligurians in the late 14th century, the palace reflects the deep influence of the Republic of Genoa through its walls and historic residences. Once the political seat of Genoese power, it has witnessed centuries of governors from Liguria’s noble families, preserving its regal stature despite the passage of time and numerous historical shifts. Bastia’s designation as the capital of the Kingdom of Corsica in the 17th century further solidified the symbolic importance of the site.

Now a museum, the palace showcases Bastia’s history and Corsican culture through a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and multimedia displays. Highlights include works from the collection of Cardinal Fesch, offering a rich view of Italian art from the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum’s exhibits reveal seven centuries of local history, blending fine arts with the island’s political and social evolution.

Surrounded by lush gardens with sweeping views over the Old Port and the Tuscan archipelago, the museum also hosts major temporary exhibitions and cultural events each year. A historic monument and cultural hub, it plays a vital role in reshaping perceptions of Corsica’s heritage.

Vist Bastia Museum
  • Opening hours:
    • High season
      From May 2nd to September 30th, 10am-6:30pm.
      Closed on Mondays in May, June, September.
      Open every day in July and August.
    • Low season
      From October 1st to April 30th, 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm.
      Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
    • Closed on November 1st, November 11th, May 1st and May 8th and during the Christmas school holidays.
  • Place du Donjon – Citadel
  • Acess:
    • Free shuttle from the train station
    • Bus / Line 2, 3, A, B and Night Line, stop Cours Docteur Favale or Place Vincetti
    • Paid parking at Place Vincetti, open until 10:30 p.m.
  • Tel. +33 (0)4 95 31 09 12
  • www.musee.bastia.corsica

 

Fortin Ecomuseum

The Fortin Ecomuseum is a unique cultural and historical site in Corsica, dedicated to showcasing the island’s traditional way of life, especially its rural and agricultural heritage. Through interactive displays and hands-on activities, the Fortin Ecomuseum emphasizes the connection between the people of Corsica and their natural environment. Visitors can learn about traditional practices such as olive oil production, winemaking, and sheep herding, which have shaped the island’s culture for centuries. The museum often includes demonstrations of these activities, allowing guests to see firsthand how locals lived and worked in harmony with the land.

Overall, the Fortin Ecomuseum serves as a tribute to Corsica’s rural heritage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the everyday life and traditions of the island’s past.

  • Accessible to people with reduced mobility
  • Etang de Biguglia Nature Reserve
  • Address: Route de l’Etang, Etang de Biguglia 20620 · BIGUGLIA
  • Tel. +33(0)4 95 59 51 00
  • Free parking

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