Calvi

Calvi is a commune of Haute-Corse, in the Balagne, built on a peninsula between two gulfs. Its citadel dates from the thirteenth century, and the town passed under Genoese control around 1278. Loyal to the Republic of Genoa for centuries, it received the motto "Civitas Calvi Semper Fidelis", the city of Calvi always faithful. In the sixteenth century, it had about 3,500 inhabitants and served as the residence of the Genoese governor.

The town has been through several sieges: in 1553-1555, the French troops of Paul de Thermes and Sampiero Corso occupied the Mozzello hill without managing to take the town. In 1794, the British admiral Nelson attacked it for two months and lost the use of an eye. Calvi today has about 5,800 inhabitants, a port, an international airport and a railway link with the rest of the island.

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