Roman Archaeological Site Aleria

On a radiant May afternoon, I found myself walking through the ancient heart of Corsica — the Roman archaeological site of Aleria. The sun cast long shadows over weathered stones, and the scent of wild herbs and flowers drifted on the breeze from the nearby Étang de Diane. 
Aleria, perched on Corsica’s east coast, was once the Roman capital of the island. Its strategic location made it a hub for trade, governance, and military operations. But its story stretches far beyond Rome — the site has been continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years. 

The ruins themselves are modest but evocative: fragments of homes, public buildings, and roads that once bustled with life. Walking between them, you can’t help but imagine the rhythm of Roman daily life — merchants calling out their wares, children playing between columns, and the locals having lively conversations.  

What struck me most was the serenity. Unlike the crowded ruins of mainland Europe, Aleria offers solitude. As i wandered between the remnants of Roman houses, I paused often to admire the views: the shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea stretching out to the horizon, and the rugged Corsican mountains rising behind me.

The were no crowds, no noise - just the soft crunch of gravel underfoot and the occasional birdsong.

Perched on a gentle rise overlooking the plains of Aleria is the Fort of Matra. Built by the Genoese in the 14th Century, the fort now houses the Departmental Museum of Archaeology Jerome Carcopino, named after the renowned historian. 
Since 1978, the fort has served as a guardian of the island's archaeological heritage.

Inside, the museum's collection  spans an astonishing 15 centuries, from the10th Century BC to the 5th Century AD, tracing the footsteps of the Phocean Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans ,... 

Among the exhibits are:

• Ceramics, coins, tools and funeral items unearthed from the Roman necropolis, offering a glimpse into the rituals and routines of ancient life.

 

• Etruscan and Bronze Age artifacts.

 

• Everyday objects recovered from the adjacent Roman ruins,