2021-06-06

The staircase of King Aragon - Escalier du Roi d’Aragon

The staircase of King Aragon (in French, Escalier du Roi d’Aragon) is regarded as one of the most fascinating places in the Corsican city of Bonifacio, France, and one of the most unusual stairs in the world. Legends surround the history of its origin, which has at least two versions of its head. Bonifacio's advantageous location on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea has made it a target of multiple attacks. One of the conquerors was Alphonse of Aragon, who in 1420 began a war with Genoa for the possession of Corsica.

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The stairs of King Aragon – Escalier du Roi d’Aragon

Steep rock stairs down to the Sea

According to one legend, the staircase was carved into the limestone rock by the soldiers of King Alfonso V of Aragon, who besieged the city in the first half of the 15th century. In one night, the army knocked down almost two hundred steps but could not capture the city, as it was noticed by the townspeople, who immediately raised a noise. According to another version, the besieged inhabitants themselves carved out the stone steps of the staircase, as they were dying of thirst. Thus, they paved the way to a source of freshwater located in a cave situated in a rock near the water. In addition, the Franciscan monks, who were also looking for freshwater, are also called the builders of the stone staircase; however, they worked not just one night but much longer.

The French Carved Staircase

Whoever created this staircase, the work was exquisite. The French staircase has 187 steps that rise from the water itself at a 45-degree angle. The stairs are carved into a steep stone "wall" that descends into the sea. Despite the tiring and challenging climb, the King of Aragon's staircase is popular among tourists because breathtaking sea views open up from its steps. You can see the whole attraction from a boat while walking along the sea.

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