Visit Ajaccio
THE FESCH MUSEUM
Master-class in the world of painting. The paintings collected by Cardinal Joseph Fesch (1763-1839), Napoleon’s maternal uncle, Archbishop of Lyon, constitute one of the most important collections to have ever existed. The works displayed in the Fesch Museum present an almost unrivalled panorama of Italian painting from the 14th to the 19th century. In fact, the museum boasts France’s most important Italian collection outside the Louvre! All the great names are to be found : Sandro Botticelli, Titian… and, of course, the famous « primitives » who used to paint on wooden panels.
THE CITY REFERENCE LIBRARY
Located on the ground floor, in the left wing of the PALAIS FESCH, this library has a magnificent 30 mSummerr-long reading room. It contains 70.000 volumes, some of which are very old (15th-16th centuries).
A BANDERA MUSEUM
Corsican and Mediterranean History Museum.
On display : rare documents, ancient coins, traditional weapons and costumes. All about great Corsican fi gures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, Sampiero Corso or Pascal Paoli up to the latest Resistance heroes.
AJACCIO, IMPERIAL CITY
The memory of Napoleon Bonaparte is fi rmly entrenched in the city and many are the places, streets and buildings reminding us that the future Emperor was born here in 1769. The memory is further embellished by the many gifts his family, descendants and admirers donated to the city, as well as the annual historical reconstructions organised by the local council.
Napoleon 1st is not the only emperor the island can boast. His successor, Napoleon III is also paid tribute to for his benevolence to the island.
THE NAPOLEONIC ROOM
Paintings and sculptures relating to the imperial era are displayed in this room in the Restauration style (beginning of the 19th century).
BONAPARTE HOUSE
Originally from Sarzana (Tuscany), the Bonaparte family settled in Corsica at the end of the 15th century. Napoleon Bonaparte was born in this house on the 15th of August 1769. The museum is located in the heart of the Genoese part of the city. The collection includes furniture belonging to the Bonaparte family dating from the end of the 18th century: memorabilia, portraits, weapons and documents relating to Napoleon and his family in Corsica.
THE IMPERIAL CHAPEL
Built in 1860, this chapel is now a National Monument. Letizia and Charles Bonaparte - Napoleon’s parents - and other members of the imperial family, are buried there.
TO DO
Sanguinaires Islands
The four small islands in the Gulf of Ajaccio, with their red rocks and jagged outline are a popular destination for boat trips from Ajaccio. They are a sanctuary for birds, rare fauna and flora, and offer secluded swimming spots and good walking. The islands lie just off Pointe de la Parata, where there are some walks and beautiful coastal scenery.
CASINO AND POKER
Ajaccio Casino
Boulevard Pascal Rossini
20000 Ajaccio
