CALVI, a sea-port of north-west Corsica, having railway connections with Ile Rousse eastwards along the coast. Pop. Situated on the Bay of Calvi, it is the nearest Corsican port to France, being 109m. from Antibes; the harbour, however, is exposed to the east and north-east winds.
Calvi was founded in 1268. and in 1278 passed into the hands of the Genoese. In recognition of its repulsion of the united at tacks of the French and the Turks in 1553, the Genoese senate caused the words Civitas Calvi seen per fidelis to be carved on the chief gate of the city, which still preserves the inscription. In Calvi was captured by the British, but it was re-taken by the Corsicans in the following year. The old palace of the Genoese governor is used as barracks. The modern town lies at the foot of a rock, on which stands the old town with its steep rock paved streets and fortified walls, commanded by the Fort Muzello. Fishing is carried on, and some timber, oil, wine and lemons are exported. Calvi claims to be the birthplace of Columbus (145i).