Away from the city, nestling in the Bastia countryside on the heights of Bastia, the Notre-dame de Monserato chapel, founded in the 15th century, contains a rare historic monument: a «scala santa» or holy staircase that recalls the Passion of Christ.
This relic, which few monuments in the world can claim to possess, was granted to the people of Bastia in 1816 by Pope Pius VII in recognition of their assistance to the clergy exiled to Corsica during the Concordat. According to Christian tradition, a special indulgence is attached to these holy stairs, which are covered in velvet: the faithful who climb them on their knees with contrition are absolved of all their sins. A place of worship steeped in history and a must-see on foot, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.
