Calvi (Corsica France)

Calvi is a port town on Corsica Island (France). The small town covers a total area of approx 31 km2 (12 mi) and has population around 6,000.

Christopher Columbus was born in Calvi in 1441, which at the time was part of the Genoese Empire. As the often subversive elements of the isle gave its inhabitants a fairly bad reputation, he'd have been expected to mask the exact birthplace of himself.

With its 6 km long sandy beaches, boarded by pine trees, is dominated by the Genoese citadel mounted on a promontory with the little town below, extending along the waterfront, bustling with yachts and fishing boats. Not surprisingly its perfect setting is so attractive for vessels of all sizes.

Visited since Ancient times, presumably from 500 BC by Greeks, Etruscans and Phoenicians, the port city was established by the Romans in the 1st Century. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, it was devastated by Ostrogoths and Vandals between the 5th and 10th Centuries. However, it was reconstructed by Pisans during the next 3 centuries. When Genoese took the Island over, they built the citadel. In 1794 the city was besieged by English troops, and during this siege, Nelson lost his right eye. In 1796 Calvi was left to the French.