128 Bastia, Corsica, Saint Mary’s pro-cathedral, like something out of a musical

 I always thought that a pro-cathedral was standing in for a cathedral, but this one is more of an ex-cathedral, a cathedral that is no more. It has not been a cathedral since the whole of Corsica was united as one diocese in 1802, and Ajaccio won out as cathedral city.

Baroque church, much of it seventeenth century, with lovely volumes, and fine paintings, including good old St Martin cutting his cloak in half to give half to a poor man. There is also a sixteenth century wooden altarpiece, and a silver statue of the Assumption.

Seven bishops died while officiating in Bastia, and their seven hats are hung up in the church, which sounds like something out of a musical, but isn’t.

There is a marble plaque on the floor giving thanks for the events of 1866, when, we are told, the town was saved from a cholera epidemic.