City of Art and History, Bastia is also the chief town of Upper Corsica. Its old town has preserved its authentic aspect: typical narrow streets and period buildings of the Terra-Vecchia district; old picturesque port, with its 17th-century Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and the atmosphere of its cafés and restaurants. Near the old port, the Saint-Nicolas square is decorated with palm trees and is a very bustling location with its cafe terraces, in particular during the market on Sunday morning. The marketplace, lined with old houses, is very popular for its traditional market.
The Genoese citadel (Terra-Nova) was built between the 15th and the 17th century. Its ramparts are home to the Governors palace, the former residence of the Genoese governors, but also the 17th-century Sainte-Marie cathedral and the oratory of the 15th-century Sainte-Croix brotherhood (Sainte-Croix chapel).