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Origin and history

The castle of Algajola, located on the Balanic coast, was built in the early 16th century, shortly before 1531, on the ruins of a tower of the Lomellini. He served as a residence for the lieutenant of the Office de Saint-Georges, representing the Genoese power in Balagne, and was part of the island's coastal defensive system. Racked by the Ottomans in 1643, it was rebuilt in 1664 and remained a symbol of Genoese domination until 1764, when Corsica passed under French control.

In the 16th century, Algajola was the administrative capital of the Balagne, sheltering a court for nearby pièves. The castle, described as a small, unimportant fortress before the Franco-Genoese conflicts, became a strategic issue during the war of 1553-1559. He was attacked several times, notably in 1555 by the troops of Sampiero Corso, then taken over by the Genoese in 1559 after the restitution of Corsica.

During the great Corsican revolt against Genoa (1729-1769), Algajola remained a genoese bastion despite several seats. In 1731 the dissatisfied Balanais besieged the fortress, forcing the inhabitants to flee to Calvi. The castle was finally ceded to France in 1764 with the Treaty of Compiègne, marking the end of its military role. Today, it is a private property and classified as a Historic Monument since 1965.

The site of Algajola, occupied since ancient times, is said to have housed a Phoenician city named Argha, a hypothesis reinforced by toponymic similarities with Alghero in Sardinia. In the Middle Ages, the village, then called the Arpagiola or Gabiola, was a modest fishing port under Genoese control. Its church Saint-Georges, rebuilt after a buckwheat fire, and its chapel Saint-Michel, dated the twelfth century, bear witness to its religious and maritime past.

Architecturally, the castle has a characteristic silhouette with a protuberant scald, typical of Genoese coastal fortifications. Its "feet in the water" position reflects its dual role: administrative residence and defence post against barbaric incursions. The fortress, though partially in ruins, remains a symbol of Corsican military heritage and genoese influence in the Mediterranean.

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