| Gulf of Porto | |
|---|---|
 View of the gulf from theCalanques de Piana | |
  Gulf of Porto | |
| Location | Corse-du-Sud,Corsica,France |
| Coordinates | 42°19′30.698″N8°37′43″E / 42.32519389°N 8.62861°E /42.32519389; 8.62861 |
| Type | Gulf |
| Primary inflows | Porto River [fr] |
| Ocean/sea sources | Mediterranean Sea,Atlantic Ocean |
| Basin countries | France |
| Designation | Regional Natural Park of Corsica |
| Max. length | 7 mi (11 km)[1] |
| Max. width | 5 mi (8.0 km)[1] |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
|---|---|
 Interactive map of Gulf of Porto | |
| Official name | Gulf of Porto: Calanche of Piana, Gulf of Girolata, Scandola Reserve |
| Location | Corsica,France |
| Criteria | Natural: (vii), (viii), (x) |
| Reference | 258 |
| Inscription | 1983 (7thSession) |
TheGulf of Porto is agulf of theMediterranean Sea located on the western façade of the island ofCorsica,France, well known for its dramatic coloration and rugged cliffs.[1][2] The gulf is located within thedepartment ofCorse-du-Sud. The gulf and surrounding coast is part of theRegional Natural Park of Corsica. In 1983 the gulf was designated as aUNESCOWorld Heritage Site, encompassing theCalanques de Piana,Gulf of Girolata, andScandola Nature Reserve, due to its outstanding scenery, rich avian and marine life, andmaquis shrubland.[3]
The Gulf of Porto is bounded by fivecommunes. From the north coast of the gulf and proceeding clockwise around the coast to the south, they areOsani,Partinello,Serriera,Ota, andPiana. The head of the gulf is in Ota, where thePorto River [fr] flows into the sea. The coastline of the Gulf of Porto is famous for its orange-red cliffs and headlands that reach up to 900 m high.[4] The sheer cliff faces are interrupted by many grottoes and the gulf itself contains numeroussea stacks, islets, and coves.[4]
The coastal and marine biodiversity along the Gulf of Porto is very rich. Thelittoral zone is dominated bysea lavender, and all 450 species of marine algae known in the Mediterranean have been recorded along the Gulf.[4] These includeHalimeda species and other species not observed in other areas of France. Because of the clarity of the water in the region, the algae can grow as deep as 35 meters.[4] TheScandola Nature Reserve preserves many terrestrial species in the area. Along with the algae,precious coral is found in the shallow areas of the gulf. In addition, the strong currents allow for large number of fish to congregate.[4]
The Porto-Piana region has historically been sparsely populated as a result of its rugged terrain and turbulent history. A series of recurringplagues from the mid 15th to late 16th centuries, followed byfood shortages andfamines from the 16th to 18th centuries decimated the area's population.[5] Toward the end of theMiddle Ages, the gulf area was under the lordship of the Leca, one of theCinarchesi [fr] noble houses. At the end of the 15th century, CountGiovan Paolo di Leca [fr] plunged the region into conflict.[6]
During the second half of the 16th century,Barbary corsairs regularly assaulted the Corsican coast, prompting the construction of a number of coastal defenses collectively referred to as theGenoese towers in Corsica. Three such towers were located on the coast of the Gulf of Porto:Torra di l'Isula di Gargali, on the eponymous islet off the west coast near Osani,Torra di Portu, at the head of the gulf in Ota, andTorra di Turghju, on the gulf's south coast in Piana.[7]
Despite these fortifications, raiding by the corsairs eventually eliminated entire villages, including Paomia and Revinda. At the end of the 16th century, the coastal lowlands were described as being completely abandoned: "So it is with Sia, the pit of Salogna, ruined, or that of Paomia, completely deserted in 1584."[7] By the start of the 17th century, it was clear that Corsica was not defensible. Residents of the mountain villages who owned land on the coast lobbied for the construction of a larger number of fortifications, resulting in the reconstruction of a tower inSagone, as well as six other new towers: Omigna, Cargèse, Orchinu, Cavi Rossi, Gargalo and Imbuto. These six towers were built between 1605 and 1611 under the direction of the architectAnton Giovanni Sarola. During this time, Genoan authorities developed a policy of concessions, leading in particular to the establishment inCargèse of a Greek colony which caused tension with the surrounding population.[7]
In his travel accountUne excursion en Corse, published in 1891, PrinceRoland Bonaparte described the area as one of Corsica's most beautiful natural places.[2] Since 1983, the Gulf of Porto and its surrounding features have been collectively designated as aUNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO describes the area as "an impressive porphyry massif with tormented shapes."[3]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)| International | |
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