Bastelicaccia
Bastelicaccia (; Corsican: "A Bastirgaccia") is a commune in the Corse-du-Sud department of France on the island of Corsica. The inhabitants of the commune are known as "Bastilcacci" or "Bastelicacciais" and "Bastelicacciaises". Geography. Bastelicaccia is to the east of the centre of Ajaccio and immediately to the east of Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport. It was created in 1865 between the rivers Gravona and Prunelli. The highest point in the commune is Monte Aragnasco. Access to the commune is by Route nationale N196 which passes through the south of the commune from the airport in the west to Cauro  in the east. The D3 branches off the N196 at the south-western edge of the commune and goes north-east through the commune to Ocana. Access to the village is by the D303 which branches from the D3 in the commune and goes north to the village then continues north to join the D1 west of Cuttoli-Corticchiato. Apart from the main village there are the villages of Colombina, Macina, Bottacina, Cagile, Casaccia, Mascarone, Cuara, Funtanacciu, Mascardaccia, Suaralta, Forcala, and Pisciatello. The commune is hilly with many villages, farms, and some forests. One of the traditional cheeses of Corsica  is called "bastelicacciu" after the commune. It is produced in the lower valleys of the Gravona and Prunelli. History. On the 18th century land survey Bastelicaccia was better known as "Bastélica-Communes". It became populated from the beginning of the 19th century. With a land area of 1820 hectares, the population of about 800 in Bastelica village considered that it was easier to settle in the plains for most farmers as the lowland climate was better in winter. So, in summer, there would be an annual migration back to Bastelica village. As a result, the Chief Surveyor advised the creation  of the commune of Bastelicaccia. Bastelicaccia is part of the Canton of Ajaccio-5. The Canton also includes Alata, Villanova and part of Ajaccio. Bastelicaccia has evolved at a rapid pace due to the proximity of the regional capital and its urban sprawl. Administration. List of Successive Mayors Demography. In 2017 the commune had 3,983 inhabitants. Culture and heritage. Civil heritage. The commune has a very large number of houses that are registered as historical monuments. As well as the houses the commune also has a number of other sites that are registered as historical monuments: Religious heritage. The Church of  Saint Michel (19th century) is registered as an historical monument. The Church contains a Statue: Christ on the Cross (18th century) which is registered as an historical object.