Ajaccio – capital of Corsica and birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte
Ajaccio is a city located in Corsica, and this is not just a typical commune of the island. It is the capital of Corsica, and being also the largest city on the island it has a lot to offer to its visitors. This is the place where great Napoleon Bonaparte was born.
The ancestral home of Napoleon Bonaparte (Casa Buonaparte) is located on the Rue Saint-Charles. In the whole town you can feel the spirit of the most famous Corsican, Napoleon Bonaparte. The monument honors several of his sculptures. Corsica is also the proud birthplace of popular singers Tino Rossi and Alizée.
Ajaccio has a vast role in this region and has huge influence on Corsica. This city is located on the west coast of the island and has strong economy depending mainly on the tourism.
As it has a great tradition and culture and the natural views of the commune is outstanding, so, this commune gets every year a lot of tourists who embellish the economy of the commune. The culture of Ajaccio is distinctive.
Harbour of Ajaccio, Corsica, France
In spite of being a commune of metropolitan France the commune undergoes a huge influence of Italian culture. The capital city of Corsica is closer to Italy than French mainland.
At a time, this city underwent political turbulences. However now the city is calm and currently an important port and also a modern city with a lively tourist industry. It is featured by favorable climate conditions as well as historical monuments.
The current capital of Corsica was founded by Greeks in 564 BC. Its name derives from the Roman word adjaccium, which means place of rest.
At this time began to develop the harbor. Unfortunately original Ajaccio was completely destroyed by the Saracens in the 10th century. The revival of the city began after the year 1452, when the fort was built around this town.
Since the early 80’s of the 20th century Ajaccio got unfortunate reputation as a center of separatist revolt in Corsica, which culminated in the assassination of the French governor Claude Erignac in 1998.
However these terrorist activities were very rarely (if ever) directed against tourists.
Related: Destinations to visit in France
