SAINT-JEAN-BAPTISTE CHURCH
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Corsica's largest parish church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, patron saint of Bastia
The two imposing steeples of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church dominate the Old Port on all Bastia postcards. Built between 1636 and 1666, it is the largest parish church in Corsica. Initially decorated in rococo style, the interior was almost entirely redone in the 19thcentury . It comprises six chapels, three of which are dedicated to the patron saints of Bastia's sailors, fishermen and craftsmen. It is adorned with several remarkable works, including a17th-century high altar, inlaid with polychrome marble, with a silver tabernacle, an18th-century marble statue of St. John the Baptist and paintings depicting scenes from the life of the saint, patron saint of Bastia. On June 23, the eve of St. John's Day and the summer solstice, the whole town celebrates! Until recently, it was even a day off for the people of Bastia. After a procession through the town center and a mass, the statue of the saint is hoisted three times in front of the sea to protect sailors and their boats. A large fire, u fucarè, is then lit at dusk on the south quay of the Vieux-Port. In the old days, children used to empty their attics in advance to fuel the blaze, then collect nails from the ashes to sell. Today, the fireworks display is enjoyed from the Old Port. Note to swimmers: St. John's Day used to herald the first bath of the year!
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