I. Introduction: Water, the Vital Element of Corsica
Corsica, known as the Island of Beauty, is a land of contrasts where water plays a central role. From crystal-clear rivers to fine sandy beaches, and hidden thermal springs in the mountains, water has shaped not only the landscape but also the history and culture of the island. This journey through time reveals how Corsicans have interacted with this vital element, from Roman baths to contemporary swimming pools.
II. Roman Baths: The First Pools of Corsica
When the Romans settled on the eastern coast of Corsica in the 8th century BC, they brought with them their bathing culture. In Aleria, the first Roman city on the island, magnificent remnants of thermal baths bear witness to this era. These baths, true ancestors of our modern pools, were much more than simple bathing places. They were the heart of Roman social life, where people came to wash, discuss business, or simply relax.
But the Romans didn't just build artificial baths. They also discovered and exploited the island's natural thermal springs, notably in Pietrapola. Remains of baths, coins, and ancient pipes discovered at this site attest to its use from the 1st century BC.
III. From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance: Water Between Sacred and Profane
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the use of public baths declined in Corsica as elsewhere in Europe. However, the thermal springs were never completely forgotten. In the 8th century, a medical study of the island's mineral springs was conducted under the patronage of Monsignor Carlo Fabrizio Giustiniano, Bishop of Mariana.
During this period, the springs took on a sacred dimension. Some were considered miraculous, attracting pilgrims and the sick seeking healing. At the same time, Corsican women continued to use the hot springs for more prosaic tasks, such as washing laundry, taking advantage of this hot and sulfurous water.
IV. The Golden Age of Corsican Thermalism
The 19th century marked a turning point in the history of bathing in Corsica. A true "thermal fever" seized the island, reminiscent of the enthusiasm of the Roman era. Guagno-les-Bains became the emblem of this revival, welcoming up to 3,000 spa-goers a year at its peak. Illustrious personalities contributed to shaping Corsican thermalism. In 1909, Doctor Zuccarelli and L. Gentil, a pharmacist in Bastia, published a comprehensive work on the indications and contraindications of Corsican thermal waters, marking an important step in the scientific recognition of their virtues.
V. The Transition to Modern Swimming Pools
The rise of tourism in the 1960s marked a new chapter in the history of bathing in Corsica. This period saw a significant increase in the island's tourist accommodation capacity. The first luxury hotels, eager to offer their international clientele modern comfort, began to install swimming pools.
Although we don't have a precise date for the first hotel pool in Corsica, it's reasonable to assume that their appearance coincides with this period of intense tourist development, particularly in the Porto-Vecchio region. These new installations offered visitors the possibility of bathing in controlled and secure water while enjoying the Mediterranean climate of the island.
VI. The Democratization of Private Pools
In the 1980s and 1990s, following a national trend of democratization of private pools, Corsica also saw an increase in the number of individual pools. The island's rugged topography posed unique challenges for builders. As with other types of construction on the island, adapting to the terrain required innovative solutions. In this context, it's likely that pool builders had to show ingenuity to adapt to the sloping terrain characteristic of many Corsican regions.
Today, Corsican pools reflect both the island's heritage and modern trends. The Mediterranean climate strongly influences their design, with a preference for noble materials, for example. There's also a return to the roots with the emergence of ecological pools, reminiscent of the natural basins used since antiquity. At the same time, infinity pools offering panoramic views of the sea have become emblematic of island luxury.
VIII. The Challenges and Future of Pools in Corsica
Water management remains a crucial issue for Corsica. Pool builders must reconcile growing demand with the need to preserve the island's water resources. The future of pools in Corsica is moving towards more sustainable solutions, with technological innovations aimed at reducing water and energy consumption.
IX. Conclusion: The Pool, Mirror of Corsican History
From Roman heritage to futuristic designs, the history of pools in Corsica reflects the evolution of island society. It testifies to the Corsicans' ability to adapt and innovate while remaining deeply attached to their heritage. Water, whether it springs from a thousand-year-old thermal source or sparkles in an ultra-modern infinity pool, remains the eternal link between the Corsicans and their island of beauty.
Sources :
Boudon, Dominique. "Les Sources thermales de Corse".
Noël, Jean Louis. "Pietrapola les Bains".
INSEE. "Le tourisme en Corse".
Office de Tourisme de Porto-Vecchio. "Histoire et patrimoine".
www.propiscines.fr. "Les chiffres clés du marché de la piscine".
Agence d'Aménagement durable, d'Urbanisme et d'Énergie de la Corse. "Le Plan d'Aménagement et de Développement Durable de la Corse (PADDUC)".