Its modern history is dominated by the figure of Napoléon, who was born in Ajaccio in 1769 in the Maison Bonaparte, so all sights here mainly revolve around Napoleon. Napoleon’s birthplace, a large and simple residence, is now a museum devoted to the Bonaparte family in Corsica. The visit starts on the second floor with a historical evocation of Corsica in the 18th century, followed by an introduction to members of the family. The town’s main sights are the magnificent cathedral where Napoleon was christened and numerous statues and street names related to his family. Other dedications to him in the city include Ajaccio Napoleon Bonaparte Airport.
Take a stroll along its palm tree seafront or wander through the small colourful alleys next to the citadelle where the “Maison Bonaparte” is located or even head directly for the main shopping street, the pedestrian “rue Fesch”. Half way down rue Fesch, you will find the most interesting museum in corsica, the “Musee Fesch”, built by Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Fesch, in 1827, who had already started populating the place with many works of art and donated them to Ajaccio when he died. Today, the museum hosts the second largest collection of Italian paintings in France and its collection was enriched through many donations in the 19th century. It is also a dynamic museum that holds regular special exhibitions and try and keep the island on the cultural and artistic scene.
