Excursion Bastia town hiking adventure tour at Bastia

Cruise line: Silversea
Difficulty:

Discover of one of the most extraordinary monuments of Bastia during this panoramic hiking trek to the Oratoire de Monserato.


Bastia, Guided Hiking Trek, Town Centre, Citadel, Palais des Gouverneurs, Chemin des Fillipines

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.1-mile (about 1.75-kilometre) guided hiking trek along a steep trail that starts in the town centre at the back of the courthouse, and leads to the Oratory of Monserato. From Terra Nova, leave the Citadelle through its main (northern) gateway next to the Palais des Gouverneurs and follow the Chemin des Fillipines (a stepped-lane starting on the opposite side of the main road) uphill for ten minutes. When you reach a road at the top, turn left and keep going for approximately 328 yards (about 300 metres) until you see a lane leading left to the Oratoire.


Oratory of Monserato, Scala Santa Replica

This modest building, almost banal, houses a rare monument, the Scala Santa (Staircase Saint). One of Bastia's most extraordinary monuments and a joy to behold, the Oratoire de Monserato looks unremarkable from the outside. However, its interior houses the much-revered Scala Santa (Staircase Saint). A replica of the Holy Steps of the Basilica of Saint John of Lateran in Rome, this Scala Santa monument dates from 1884.


Guided Tour of the Oratory of Monserato, Return Hike

Monserato is one of the only seven locations in the world to have a Scala Santa. Pope Pius VII gave the authorization for Bastia Town to possess a Scala Santa to thank their citizens for their warm welcome, and helping religious victims of persecution under Napoleon Bonaparte (Concordat of 1801). Penitents who ascend it on their knees as far as its high altar may be cleansed, or so it is believed, of all sins, without the intercession of a priest. Following a guided tour of the Oratoire de Monserato, commence the approximately

1.1-mile (about 1.75-kilometre) hike back to the pier.


Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.2 miles (about 3.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, rocky, and natural surfaces and inclines, with numerous stairs to negotiate along the way. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes. Guests must be at least 14 years old to participate on this tour. There are no public toilets in Corsica; guests are requested to purchase a drink to be able to use facilities. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Bastia Town, Guided Hiking Trek, Town Centre, Citadel, Palais des Gouverneurs, Chemin des Fillipines, Oratory of Monserato, Scala Santa Replica

Note

This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately from 0.75 to 1.5 miles (about 1.2/2.5 kilometres), at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and inclines, with several steps to negotiate to get on/off the open-top bus, board/de-board the mini-train and at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Photography and/or videography is prohibited inside the museum. Restroom facilities are located in cafés and restaurants; the purchase of a small snack or beverage is recommended in order to use the restrooms, and is at the expense of each guest. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.