Bastia

Bastia, a fortified port on the E. coast of Corsica. It was founded in 1383 by the Genoese, and was taken by the French in 1553. Rising in an amphitheatre it is picturesque, but the streets are narrow and dirty. The harbour, commanded by the citadel, is difficult to enter, but does the largest trade of any in the island, exporting wine, oil, fruits, skins, and coral. Law courts, schools, hospitals, a theatre, and all the other institutions of a large French town are found here.