Bonifacio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bonifacio
Bunifaziu (Corsican)
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The harbor
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| Motto(s):
Libertas
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 Bonifacio
Location in France
Bonifacio
Location in Corsica
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| Country | France | |
| Region | Corsica | |
| Department | Corse-du-Sud | |
| Arrondissement | Sartène | |
| Canton | Grand Sud | |
| Area
1
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138.36 km2 (53.42 sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC+01:00 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+02:00 (CEST) | |
| INSEE/Postal code |
2A041 /20169
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| Elevation | 0–70 m (0–230 ft) | |
| 1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries. | ||
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Bonifacio is a cool town located at the very southern tip of Corsica, a beautiful island in France. It's part of the Corse-du-Sud area. This town is famous for its amazing cliffs and a harbor that looks like a fjord!
Did you know that Bonifacio is also a spot for the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series? This exciting event brings divers from all over the world to jump from the high cliffs into the sea.
Contents
Exploring Bonifacio's Location
Bonifacio sits right on the Mediterranean Sea. It's very close to another island called Sardinia, separated only by the Strait of Bonifacio. This strait is a narrow passage of water.
Bonifacio has the best and biggest harbor on Corsica's southern coast. It's also the southernmost town in all of Metropolitan France. This means it's the furthest south you can go on the French mainland and its nearby islands!
A Special Marine Park
The islands near Bonifacio, like the Isles Lavezzi, are part of a huge marine park. This park is called the Bouches de Bonifacio ("Strait of Bonifacio") marine park. Both France and Italy created it in 1993.
The main goal of this park is to protect the strait. It helps keep ships carrying dangerous chemicals away from the area. It also protects wild birds, other animals, plants, and fish. It's a special place for nature!
The Amazing Cliffs
The southern coast around Bonifacio is made of white limestone. The ocean has carved these cliffs into really cool and unusual shapes. If you look closely, you can see how the sea has shaped them over many years.
The port of Bonifacio is in a bay that looks like a drowned valley. It's protected from the open ocean by a long, narrow piece of land. This land is about 1,500 meters (almost a mile) long and 200 meters (about 650 feet) wide.
Two Parts of the City
The city of Bonifacio has two main parts. The vieille ville (old town), also called la Haute Ville (the Upper city), is built on a high cliff. This is where the old citadel is located.
The citadel was first built way back in the 9th century when the city was founded. It has been rebuilt and fixed up many times since then. Today, it's more like a museum. Most people used to live in the Upper city, safe inside the citadel's walls.
Below the cliffs, you'll find la marine. This area has the harbor and more homes. It stretches along the narrow inlet, making the town look long and thin.
The buildings in the Upper city are built right on the edge of the cliffs. These cliffs are about 70 meters (230 feet) high. Because the ocean has worn away the base of the cliffs, the buildings look like they are hanging right over the water! From the sea, Bonifacio looks like a bright white city floating above the waves.
A Glimpse into History
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Bonifacio has a very long history, going back thousands of years!
Ancient Times
People lived in the Bonifacio area even in prehistoric times. Scientists have found ancient cave shelters and tombs here. One important discovery was the "Lady of Bonifacio," a burial from around 6570 BC. This shows that people were using the Bay of Bonifacio as a route to inland Corsica from very early on.
The City's Founding
The city you see today was founded in 828 AD. It was built as a fortress by a leader named Boniface II of Tuscany. The city was named after him! He built this strong fortress and naval base to protect his lands from attacks by Saracens (people from North Africa).
Most of the citadel you see now was built after the 9th century. But one round tower, called Il Torrione, was definitely part of the original fortress.
Cool Places to See
Bonifacio is a very popular place for tourists, especially in the summer. People love its charm and the beautiful beaches nearby.
- Torra di Sant' Amanza: One of two old Genoese towers in the area.
- Torra di Sponsaglia: The second old Genoese tower.
- Église Saint-Dominique de Bonifacio: A historic church.
- Église Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Bonifacio: Another important church in the town.
Beaches and Fun Activities
If you love the beach, Bonifacio has some great spots!
- La Tonnara Beach: A lovely beach where you can relax and enjoy the sun.
Getting Around
You can get to Bonifacio by flying into Figari Sud-Corse Airport. From there, you'll need a car or taxi to reach the town. If you want to visit Sardinia, there are ferry services available many times a day.
Famous People from Bonifacio
- Tommaso Maria Zigliara (1833-1893): He was a very important Roman Catholic cardinal. He was also a theologian (someone who studies religion) and a philosopher (someone who studies ideas and knowledge).
Images for kids
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View of Bonifacio
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Limestone cliffs in Bonifacio
See also
In Spanish: Bonifacio para niños
