{"id":356,"date":"2022-11-20T10:36:10","date_gmt":"2022-11-20T09:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/bonifacio-escalier-roy-aragon\/"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:58:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:58:31","slug":"staircase-bonifacio-escalier-roy-aragon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corsicalovers.fr\/en\/staircase-bonifacio-escalier-roy-aragon\/","title":{"rendered":"Escalier du Roy d’Aragon (Bonifacio staircase): tips + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Going down the staircase Escalier du Roy d’Aragaon<\/strong>, in the cliff of Bonifacio, what an adventure! The history, the landscapes, the rocks… the experience is fascinating.For those who do not have knee problems, we recommend this short tour that starts in the citadel.Here is our guide and photos of the experience.<\/p>\n\n

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This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Why visit the Escalier du Roy d’Aragon<\/h2>\n\n

Is the Bonifacio staircase worth it?<\/h3>\n\n

Yes, it’s worth the walk down the stairs (if you don’t have knee problems). It is a unique experience.The work is vertiginous, 187 steps dug in the cliff. You will almost reach the water level, with an inclination of 45\u00b0!<\/p>\n\n

The stairs and the path above the sea wind through the limestone.This experience allows you to discover the cliffs up close and enjoy the wonderful scenery.One of the must-see in Bonifacio<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

We photographed it from the sea, see:<\/p>\n\n

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View on the Staircase of Bonifacio from the sea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

What is the King of Aragon’s Staircase?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

The official spelling is Escalier du Roy d’Aragon, but you sometimes find it written King.It is a staircase cut in the cliff of Bonifacio that ends with a small path a few meters above the sea.The steps were created directly in the limestone.It allowed the locals to access a source of fresh water.<\/p>\n\n

Staircase of Bonifacio: how many steps?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n

Some documents say 189, others 187.The answer from the local guide was: there are 189 steps (187 original and 2 extra to help).This 45\u00b0 slope allows you to descend 65m.And the steps are very irregular.<\/p>\n

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The King of Aragon’s staircase<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

History and legend<\/h3>\n\n

The legend…<\/strong>It says that in 1420, Alfonso V, king of Aragon, wanted to seize Corsica and besieged the city of Bonifacio.Facing a strong resistance, he decides to send his soldiers to dig this staircase in one night…But the women on patrol hear noises and raise the alarm. The attack fails.<\/p>\n\n

The story<\/strong>…In fact, the passage was created and shaped over a longer period of time before becoming a staircase.The Aragonese have never used it.The locals and the Franciscan monks used it to reach a source of drinking water at the foot of the cliff (later called the Saint-Berth\u00e9l\u00e9my well). It was particularly useful during the sieges of the citadel.Today, the well is no longer used and is not accessible.<\/p>\n\n

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WHERE TO STAY<\/span> IN Bonifacio<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 1: a historic stay in the citadelHotel Spa Genovese<\/strong> – prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 2: around the marinaHotel Solemare<\/strong> and its swimming pool with view! – see prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Option 3: in the surrounding scrublandHotel Cala di Greco<\/strong> overlooking the citadel! – see prices, pictures and availability<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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See our list of the 10 best hotels in Bonifacio, with our reviews<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See all available hotels<\/strong><\/strong> \"arrow\"\/<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Practical tips – the Bonifacio Staircase<\/h2>\n\n

Where is the staircase of Bonifacio<\/h3>\n\n