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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Saint-Dominique church of Bonifacio, located in the citadel of the city, is a Catholic religious building built mainly in the fourteenth century. It is distinguished by its Gothic style, exceptional in Corsica, and its original octagonal bell tower, crowned with niches. Originally it served as an oratory for Dominicans, settled in Bonifacio in the 13th century, and was integrated into a convent founded in 1270 by Father Nicolas Fortiguerra of Siena. The church was first mentioned in 1286, although its construction was completed in the 14th century.

The building, classified as a historic monument in 1862, presents an elongated plan with a nave with three vessels and six spans, vaulted with warheads. Its western portal, adorned with a trilobed arching tympanum, and its lateral chapels reflect a sober and elaborate architecture. The church underwent several changes, such as the addition of a sacristy in 1738 by Georges Celani, or the installation of an organ in 1759. Disused during the Revolution, it was restored to worship in 1807.

The Church of Santo Domingo is also linked to significant events, such as the funeral prayer of Cardinal Thomas-Marie Zigliara, native of Bonifacio, pronounced in 1893. Its history reflects the religious and political transformations of Corsica, from its Templar origin to its present role in the local heritage. The presence of geminied bays and cradle vaults in the choir reflects its architectural evolution over the centuries.

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