Discover Calvi: Heritage, Art and Beach

Calvi offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: religious buildings classified as historic monuments, contemporary art, a beach with a wooden promenade and tramway, and panoramic views across the bay from the Chapelle Notre Dame de la Serra. The historical dates also refer to different things—a building’s classification, a work of art or the start of construction. These distinctions bring the cultural themes to life, while the beach and views appeal to other interests.

Churches and Chapels: Works of Art and Classifications

The Église Sainte Marie-Majeure has been classified as a historic monument since 5 December 1988. The Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste received this classification on 10 August 1920. These dates refer to the classification, not the year of construction. The cathedral also houses a triptych dating from 1498 by the Genoese artist Barbagelata. The cathedral therefore brings together two distinct points in time: the classification of the building and the dating of the artwork.

The Oratoire Saint Antoine Abbé is a chapel decorated with frescoes and has been classified as a historic monument since 15 July 1976. The religious buildings can be distinguished by specific features: the triptych in the cathedral, the frescoes in the Oratoire and their respective classification dates. If you would like to narrow down your cultural interests for the trip, these features offer different points of reference.

Notre Dame de la Serra: Heritage and Panoramic Views

The Chapelle Notre Dame de la Serra was built in 1479 and is part of Calvi’s religious heritage. From there, enjoy panoramic views across the entire Bay of Calvi and the Réginu Valley as far as Lumio. The year of construction gives the chapel a different historical reference from the classification dates of the other religious buildings. Access arrangements may vary; check the conditions before your visit.

The celebration of Notre Dame de la Serra takes place every year in early September. The exact date may vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the event dates for the relevant year.

Phare de la Revellata and Maritime History

The Phare de la Revellata, also known as the Phare du golfe de Calvi, offers another historical perspective. Construction began in late 1838, and the lighthouse entered service in 1844. The two dates mark different stages: the start of construction and its later entry into service. Alongside the references to religious buildings and artworks, this gives you another timeline to help you get your bearings.

Contemporary Art and the Beach

The Musée des Arts de la Citadelle de Calvi displays works from the city’s contemporary art collection; admission is free. Unlike the dated triptych in the cathedral, the collection focuses on contemporary art. Check current access arrangements and exhibitions before your visit.

From the town centre, you can reach Calvi’s beach via a wooden promenade running alongside the pine grove. The Tramway des plages also serves the entire length of the beach. The promenade describes the route from the town centre, while the tramway provides service along the beach. Check the timetable and stop names before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Nonza, Ghisoni, Piedicroce, Campana, Matra, Centuri, Bastia, Furiani.

For the broader travel overview: Haute-Corse.