Ajaccio was founded by the Genoese, at least in its modern form. It is they who settled in 1492, the citadel that still marks the entrance of the port of Ajaccio.
They also gave the city its characteristic appearance of the Genoese town, with narrow streets and colorful as in Bastia, Calvi and Porto-Vecchio.
The city’s history took an unexpected turn August 15, 1769 with the birth of the little Napoleon Bonaparte, who became the Emperor of the French, whose soul still known his hometown. Cours Napoléon, rue du Roi de Rome, Viale of the First Consul, Place Austerlitz, are all street names that resemble at all the meaning of “imperial city”.
The sweet life of Ajaccio will take you as soon as you landed in the largest city of Corsica.
At the end of its majestic bay, the city has managed to preserve this sweetness of the Mediterranean lifestyle without depriving themselves of all the advantages of a modern city. Get off at Ajaccio means immersing yourself in right away on holiday in Corsica: café terraces, shaded squares, white sandy beaches, historical monuments, markets full of flavor, no doubt, you’re on the island of beauty!
What to see & what to do
Beaches
Goeland Beach
It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Corsica. It has fine white sand and the sea is turquoise and crystal clear. You can easily reach by car and by public transport. On the beach you can play beach volleyball and is ideal for families with children.
Grand Capo di Feno Beach
It's a pristine and wild beach north of Ajaccio and is considered a true masterpiece of nature. It is 15 km from the city and is reached by following the signs to the Sanguinaires. Recommended enjoy it at sunset when the rocks of Sanguinaires Islands are colored with the sunset.
Saint Francois Beach
Located in the center of Ajaccio near the Citadel, it is uncrowded and has no bathing establishments. It is ideal for those looking to relax away from city stress and those who want to avoid the queues leading to the Sanguinaires Islands.
Park & Landmarks
Copulatta: the City of the Turtles
Near Ajaccio, in the valley of Gravona, there is Cupulatta, a true city of the turtles, which covers 2.5 hectares. At the entrance to a giant bronze turtle welcomes visitors. You enter and the walk is developed through stone paths where they meet the different species in different habitats. From those of the Seychelles Islands to Hermann to the water turtles. If you meet all kinds. Over three thousand specimens of 170 species of turtles are kept in this center that cares about the protection and reproduction of turtles. And the streets are named after the different breeds of this reptile!
Sanguinaries Islands
A place to definitely admire, watching the sea of the Gulf of Ajaccio, is the small archipelago of the Sanguinaires Islands. The name is due to the typical color of red granite that characterizes these islands and in light of the sunset takes very intense and evocative tones, from orange to deep red: the brilliance of the sun inflames the colors! Some legends also tell of many shipping accidents were caused by ancient rocks hidden on bad weather days, hence the name of the islands - in this case - would draw the blood shed by the victims in the sea.
Family
Copulatta: the City of the Turtles
Near Ajaccio, in the valley of Gravona, there is Cupulatta, a true city of the turtles, which covers 2.5 hectares. At the entrance to a giant bronze turtle welcomes visitors. You enter and the walk is developed through stone paths where they meet the different species in different habitats. From those of the Seychelles Islands to Hermann to the water turtles. If you meet all kinds. Over three thousand specimens of 170 species of turtles are kept in this center that cares about the protection and reproduction of turtles. And the streets are named after the different breeds of this reptile!
The Little Train of Ajaccio
Easy solution, for over 25 years, for the tourist who is in a hurry and want to see the sights of the city in a short time and while comfortably seated. You choose between a longer route and one of the fastest Petit Trein: the first is limited to discover the streets of the center, the other one goes out and ventures to the beaches. There will, in the longer ride, even some steps just outside the city in front of the beautiful view of the Sanguinaires Islands. A great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take pictures. Very appealing in the way in the old Genoese district, rich in history. Destination obliged: the statue of Napoleon. SI can thus quickly jump from one characteristic to another alley trying to avoid the busy traffic of Ajaccio.
History & Culture
Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte
The ocher-colored building where Napoleon was born (August 15, 1769) is located on Rue Saint Charles in the heart of the city, close to the Place Letizia which is dedicated to the emperor's mother, Letizia Ramolino. The particularity of the building of Bonaparte is in the many windows on the main facade. Inside there are relics and memories, the room where Napoleon was born and still features period furniture. Since 1967 Maison Bonaparte was transformed into a museum. The last renovation was done in 2004 with the expansion of the premises in an adjacent house to accommodate the spaces dedicated to the Second Empire.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
In the chapel, which pays homage to Our Lady of tears, the wall paintings date back to Domenico Tintoretto and there is a picture of the Virgin of the Sacred Heart by Delacroix. The church is a baroque building designed by Italian architect Giacomo della Porta. On July 21, 1771 is a date to remember: here the little Napoleon was baptized together with his sister Maria-Anna. The act of sacrament is stored in the register of the cathedral and the font is on the right immediately after the entry.
Fesch Museum
Visible directly from the ship when it arrives in the port of Ajaccio, Fesch Museum is the largest museum in France after the Louvre, to be dedicated to Italian painting from the sixteenth to the eighteenth century. The Cardinal Fesch was the uncle of Napoleon, which explains why you'll find his name anywhere in the city.
Shopping
The market of Place des Palmiers
Present every day in summer and lively at weekends, there you will find all the flavors, smells and sounds of a true southern market. Full of life and excellent products, it is a meeting point "must have" for visitors and islanders.
Can't wait to see ? Find out the most popular Cruises
Carnival Cruise Line
Departing from: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Charleston, Baltimore.
Royal Caribbean
Departing from: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Cape Liberty, Boston, San Juan.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Departing from New York, Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, San Juan.
MSC Crociere
Departing from: Miami
Celebrity Cruises
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Boston San Juan.
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