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Like many convents in the city, Sant'angelo underwent significant changes after being converted into barracks during the French Revolution.

This former convent, founded in 1612, belonged to the order of the reformed Franciscans. Since 1645, the original building was demolished and rebuilt in a larger scale. So that it could accommodate some thirty monks, shelter a hospital for the destitute, and a home for invalids and waifs and strays. The vast church with twelve aisle chapels was dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel - hence the name Sant’Angelo. Its characteristic feature was a raised choir, which had been built on top of a big half-buried crypt. In 1791 the monks were expelled by the revolutionaries and the convent was turned into barracks by the army. The church, stripped of its decoration and its works of art was made into a dormitory. In 1849, it was divided into three floors and used as a granary. In 1850, because the roof was not water-proof and the masonry was unsteady, the army ordered the great triangular fronton which crowned the façade to be pulled down. In late 19th century, as three building elements were falling into disrepair, they had to be demolished. The remaining part- the wing of the church to which was added a new building- was used to store food and called “manutention militaire” (a military storehouse). The local administration made the acquisition of the building in 1993. Works to equip the premises were made in order to house the headquarters of the various cultural associations of Bastia. Since 1998, the former convent has become the “Maison des Associations Sant’Angelo”.

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