Journées du Patrimoine de Bastia
European Heritage Days in Bastia, Haute-Corse
2026
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…).
Journées du Patrimoine de — edition 2026
Bastia is taking part in the 43rd European Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, focusing on the two themes selected by the Ministry of Culture: "Heritage of Photography" and "Heritage in Danger: Revive, Resist, Reimagine." The City has announced an exhibition of vintage Bastia photographs, screened continuously from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Museum auditorium. The rest of the Bastia program is yet to be published.
2026 Edition — September 19 and 20 in Bastia
Bastia is participating in the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, scheduled by the Ministry of Culture for Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Two themes have been chosen this year: "Heritage of Photography" and "Heritage in Danger: Revive, Resist, Reimagine."
An exhibition built with the people of Bastia
On July 16, the City launched a call for photographs taken in Bastia, aligning with the national theme and the bicentenary of photography. They are looking for snapshots from the late 19th century to the present day: street scenes, family gatherings, traditional trades, festivals and events, and buildings that have been transformed or lost. Each resident can submit up to three photos using the City's online form until September 9, 2026. The selected images will be screened continuously throughout both days, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at the auditorium of the Musée de Bastia, located at Place du Donjon in the citadel.
The Bastia program is still to come
As of mid-August 2026, the City's cultural calendar has not yet published the list of open sites, tours, and workshops. Additionally, the Musée de Bastia is currently hosting its temporary exhibition "Corsica-Maghreb, une histoire en miroir (1830-2026)," which runs from July 4 to December 19, 2026.
Highlights Journées du Patrimoine de 2026
- 43rd national edition of the European Heritage Days, September 19 and 20, 2026
- 2026 Themes: "Heritage of Photography" and "Heritage in Danger: Revive, Resist, Reimagine"
- Vintage photographs of Bastia screened continuously from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the Museum auditorium
- Photo collection open to residents until September 9, 2026
Programme Journées du Patrimoine de 2026
As of mid-August 2026, the City of Bastia has only announced one scheduled event. The full list of open sites, guided tours, and workshops in Bastia has not yet been released.
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
- 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM — Continuous virtual exhibition featuring vintage photographs of Bastia collected from local residents · Auditorium of the Musée de Bastia, Place du Donjon, Citadelle
Residents can submit their photos online via the City's website until September 9, 2026, with a limit of three images per participant.
Prices Journées du Patrimoine de 2026
Some specific tours may require prior reservation.
Program and registrations: agenda.bastia.corsica
Practical information — Journées du Patrimoine de
Practical Information
Venues
Events typically take place throughout the city: the citadel and the Terra Nova district, Terra Vecchia, the Bastia Museum located in the Palais des Gouverneurs (Place du Donjon), as well as the oratories, historic churches, and the port. The 2026 exhibition of vintage photographs will be screened in the museum auditorium.
Getting There
Bastia Museum: Take bus lines 3 or B and get off at the Cours Docteur Favale or Place Vincetti stops. Paid parking is available at Place Vincetti, open until 10:30 PM. The museum is accessible to visitors with hearing impairments and reduced mobility, with a reserved parking space in the courtyard via the Cours Favale entrance.
By boat: The commercial port of Bastia is located in the city center and is served by three ferry companies.
By plane: Bastia-Poretta Airport is a 30-minute drive away; the Bastia Agglomeration Community provides a shuttle bus service to the city.
By train: The Chemins de fer de la Corse (Corsican Railways) serves Bastia. For information, call 04 95 32 80 61 or visit cf-corse.corsica.
Admission
The vast majority of events are free. Some tours may require advance booking.
Program and Contacts
The Bastia program is published annually on the city's cultural calendar at agenda.bastia.corsica and on the national portal at journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr.
Organized by: Direction du patrimoine de la Ville de Bastia, Pavillon des Nobles Douze, Place du Donjon – Citadelle, 20200 Bastia. Phone: 04 95 32 91 72, email: [email protected]. Open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM.
Bastia Intercommunal Tourist Office: Place Saint-Nicolas, 04 95 54 20 40, [email protected].
Bastia Museum: 04 95 31 09 12, [email protected].
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.
Where does it take place — Journées du Patrimoine de
Journées du Patrimoine de in brief
History of Journées du Patrimoine de
Edition 2025 Jun 2025Other festivals near Bastia
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