The capital of Corsica, is known above all for having given birth to Napoleon Bonaparte; which is extremely proud of it, so much so that it has dedicated streets, squares and museums to the valiant leader. The city boasts the presence of numerous places worthy of interest, to be interspersed certainly with the mornings spent between sun and sea.

Place De Gaulle, is a large central square from which the great avenues of Cours are branched off Grandval e Cours Napoleon, overlooking the sea and the Cathedral. At the center, the equestrian monument with Bonaparte in the role of Roman emperor. A beautiful seafront promenade between Boulevard Rossini and Boulevard Lantivy; it is what it takes to leave to discover the city, breathing the scent of the sea.

Photo ©, Francisco Antunes
In the historical center, is located the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, is the most important place of worship in Ajaccio. Ended in the 1593 by Giacomo della Porta, it is an extremely interesting buildings, especially as regards the interiors, rich in relics of Bonaparte, including, above all, the baptismal font in white marble in which Napoleon was baptized in July of 1771: It is located on the right hand side, as soon as you cross the entrance threshold. Worthy of note is the high altar and some side chapels: the second is dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, the patron saint of Ajaccio, who saved the city from the plague; next to it is the Chapel of the Rosary where the Bonapartes had their tomb. Open Monday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 09:00 to 12:00. Free entry.

Continuing up Rue Forcioli Conti we reach the Citadel, currently for military use only and closed to the public; in a dominant position on the sea, was terminated in the 1559 by the Genoese. Returning to the historical center, through Rue Bonaparte, it is reached Maison Bonaparte.

The three-storey house, overlooking Place Letizia, was the home of the Bonaparte family in which the most famous Napoleon saw the light. Now used as a museum, it preserves furnishings, memorabilia and paper documents of the family that trace its history up to the Second Empire.

Photo, 2009 momo

Really unmissable for those who decided to visit Ajaccio. On the first floor is the room where Napoleon Bonaparte probably was born. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from April to September from 10:30 to 12:30 and from 13:15 to 18:00. Entry is allowed up to half an hour before closing. The full ticket costs well 7,00€. Reduction only for young people from non-European countries !! For more info, you can consult the official website from this link.

Not far from the Maison, it is reached Place Foch, discreet square in which to shelter in the hours of particular heat under the shade of large plane trees, perhaps sitting at the tables of one of the Cafés, or trying to eat something at a good price (there are local area). In the center, the statue of Bonaparte first console that surmounts four lions. In the square there is also a small market that offers typical products: meats, cheeses and much more; you will find well-disposed, kind sellers who will often invite you to taste it!