Journées du Patrimoine de Bastia
European Heritage Days in Bastia, Haute-Corse
About Journées du Patrimoine de
The Bastia Heritage Days are the local version of the European Heritage Days, a national cultural event organised every year in September by the Ministry of Culture. Organised in Bastia by the City's Heritage Department, they invite residents and visitors to (re)discover for free the rich architectural, maritime, and historical heritage of the Corsican city. Guided tours, theatrical tours, exhibitions, workshops, and activities are offered at the city's emblematic sites (Citadel, Governors' Palace, baroque churches, marina, Terra-Vecchia, Terra-Nova…).
European Heritage Days in Bastia
Every third weekend of September, Bastia participates in the European Heritage Days, a national cultural event coordinated by the Ministry of Culture and featuring a common theme across Europe. In Bastia, the City's Heritage Department coordinates a packed programme — generally several dozen activities over two days — involving heritage associations, tour guides, cultural services, and local stakeholders.
Bastia's Heritage to Discover
The city offers an exceptional area for discovery: the Citadel and the Governors' Palace (Bastia Museum), the historic districts of Terra-Vecchia and Terra-Nova, the Oratory of the Immaculate Conception, the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church, the Saint-Roch Oratory, the marina, the Romieu Garden, and the private mansions of the old town centre. Maritime, railway (station and Corsican lines), and industrial heritage are also highlighted during guided tours.
Tours, Workshops, Exhibitions
The Bastia programme traditionally combines free guided tours, theatrical tours, conferences, temporary exhibitions, workshops for young audiences, and heritage trails. Sites usually closed to the public (museum reserves, administrative buildings, places of worship ordinarily less accessible) exceptionally open their doors. The vast majority of activities are free and open access.
A European Event with Local Roots
Created in 1984 by the Ministry of Culture (under the name 'Open Doors Day in Historic Monuments'), the European Heritage Days have become one of the most popular cultural events in France and Europe, with over 12 million annual visitors. In Bastia, the event contributes each year to better acquaint residents and visitors with the history of the city and Corsica.
Journées du Patrimoine de — edition 2026
The 41st local edition of the Heritage Days in Bastia will be held on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, on the occasion of the 43rd European Heritage Days supported by the Ministry of Culture. 2026 Themes: « Photography Heritage » and « Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine ». Free access to the vast majority of activities.
2026 Edition — September 19 and 20 in Bastia
The European Heritage Days 2026 in Bastia will take place on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, as part of the 43rd national edition coordinated by the Ministry of Culture. The City of Bastia, through its Heritage Department, will, as every year, deploy a free program throughout the city — Citadelle, Terra-Vecchia, Terra-Nova, Bastia museum, oratories, port and maritime heritage.
The two 2026 themes
For this edition, the Ministry of Culture has selected two complementary themes:
- « Photography Heritage » — celebrating the invention of photography and its role in the knowledge, conservation, and transmission of heritage.
- « Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine » — an alert and invitation to mobilize for threatened heritage (climate, conflicts, negligence).
Upcoming Program
The detailed Bastia program (list of open sites, schedules, guided tours, workshops for young audiences, exhibitions, conferences) will be published in September 2026 on the cultural agenda of the City of Bastia as well as on the national portal journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr.
As of the update date of this page, registrations for participating sites were open (material orders until August 26, 2026, according to the ministerial calendar), but the detailed local program had not yet been published.
Highlights Journées du Patrimoine de 2026
- 43rd national edition of the European Heritage Days
- Two 2026 themes: « Photography Heritage » and « Heritage in Peril »
- Free access to the vast majority of activities
- Guided tours, exhibitions, workshops throughout Bastia
Prices Journées du Patrimoine de 2026
Practical information — Journées du Patrimoine de
Practical Information
Location: throughout the city of Bastia (Citadel, Terra-Vecchia, Terra-Nova, Bastia Museum / Governors' Palace, oratories, churches, port…).
Access: Bastia city centre. Paid parking near the Old Port and the Citadel; recommended car parks on the outskirts (Toga, Saint-Nicolas). Easy pedestrian link between the main sites.
Prices: the vast majority of activities (guided tours, theatrical tours, exhibitions, workshops) are free. Some specific tours may require prior booking.
Programme and reservations: detailed programme published annually in September on agenda.bastia.corsica as well as on the national website journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr.
Contact: Heritage Department, City of Bastia — [email protected] — 04 95 55 95 55.
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