Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the cathedral, typical ofCounter-Reformation architecture, forms a Latin cross.
The cathedral is remarkable for its beautiful high altar. It was donated in 1811 by Princess Elisa, Napoleon's sister and Grand Duchess of Lucca and Piombino, who took it from the Church of the Trepassed in Lucca.
The side chapels
There are three of them, each dedicated to a particular Marian cult:
Notre-Dame del Pianto, founded by the Cuneo d'Ornano family. Dating from the 17th century, it is the oldest of the cathedrals. It's also the most lavishly decorated with exuberant stucco, marble and frescoes. The Virgin with the Sacred Heart, above the altar, is by Delacroix (1822).
Notre-Dame de la Miséricorde, patron saint of the city. Paintings recall the circumstances of the town's ancient devotion. Its rich decoration solemnly affirms the loyalty of the town's inhabitants to the vows made by their ancestors.
Notre-Dame du Rosaire. This chapel housed the tomb of the Bonaparte family until the construction of the Chapelle Impériale.
The baptistery and organs
Napoleon was baptised in this white marble baptistery.
The interest of these organs lies in their case (supported by grey marble columns from Corte).
The treasure
The cathedral's treasure contains several precious objects that tell part of the history of Corsica and the city.
A pink marble plaque, placed on the first pillar on the left-hand side, recalls the last wishes of the dying emperor.
If they banish my corpse from Paris as they did my person, I'd like to be buried next to my ancestors in Ajaccio Cathedral, Corsica.