Corte facts for kids
Corte (which is Corti in the Corsican language) is an important city in the middle of Corsica, an island that belongs to France. It is located in the Haute-Corse area, which is like a county or district. Corte is the fourth-biggest city on the island, after Ajaccio, Bastia, and Porto-Vecchio. In 1999, about 6,329 people lived there. For a time, Corte was even the capital of an independent Corsican state, led by a famous leader named Pasquale Paoli.
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About Corte
Corte is a city with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings. It sits in the heart of Corsica, surrounded by mountains. The city covers an area of about 149 square kilometers (about 57 square miles). Its average height above sea level is 486 meters (about 1,594 feet).
Important Places to See
Corte has some interesting places that tell its story:
- The Fortress (called A citadella in Corsican): This old fortress stands high above the city. It was built a long time ago to protect Corte.
- The Museum of Corsica (called Museu di a Corsica): This museum is inside the fortress. It teaches visitors all about the history, culture, and traditions of Corsica. It's a great place to learn about the island's past and how people live there.
Getting Around Corte
Corte is connected to other major cities on the island by train. You can travel from Corte to Ajaccio, Bastia, and Calvi using the Corsican railway. This makes it easy to visit Corte and explore other parts of Corsica.
University Life in Corte
Since 1980, Corte has become a lively university town. The Pasquale Paoli University opened that year, bringing many students to the city. This university is very important for Corsica, as it helps educate young people and supports the island's future.
Famous People from Corte
One very famous person born in Corte was Joseph Bonaparte (1768-1844). He was the older brother of the famous French Emperor Napoleon I. Joseph Bonaparte had an important role in history, even becoming king of Naples and later king of Spain.