Carved into the limestone cliffs of Bonifacio, in the far south of Corsica, the Staircase of the King of Aragon is one of the island’s most spectacular and iconic landmarks. Both an architectural feat and a place steeped in legend, it offers breathtaking views over the Mediterranean Sea and has fascinated locals, travelers, and historians for centuries.
A Staircase Carved into the Cliff
The Staircase of the King of Aragon consists of 187 steps carved directly into the limestone rock, descending almost vertically along the cliff face down to sea level. With an impressive slope of around 45 degrees, it provides an experience that is as dizzying as it is unforgettable. From the heights of Bonifacio’s citadel, the staircase seems to blend into the cliff, giving the impression that it has always been part of the natural landscape.
Between History and Legend
The most famous legend attributes the construction of the staircase to the troops of the King of Aragon during the siege of Bonifacio in 1420. According to popular lore, the soldiers carved the staircase in a single night in order to surprise the city’s defenders. While dramatic, this story is highly unlikely given the hardness of the rock and the complexity of the structure.
Historians now agree on a more realistic explanation: the staircase was probably built by the inhabitants of Bonifacio themselves, possibly as early as the Middle Ages, to reach a freshwater source at the base of the cliff or to facilitate supplies from the sea during times of siege. Nevertheless, the Aragonese legend remains an essential part of the site’s charm.
A Unique Tourist Experience
Today, the staircase is one of Corsica’s most visited attractions. The descent—and especially the climb back up—requires a reasonable level of fitness, but the effort is richly rewarded. Along the way, visitors enjoy stunning views of the white limestone cliffs, the deep blue sea, and, on clear days, the distant coast of Sardinia on the horizon. The site is secured and open to the public, though it is not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo. Each step tells a part of Bonifacio’s history and offers a powerful immersion into the region’s natural and cultural heritage.