Today we take you to the narrow streets of the old town. Who owned the mansions we are about to pass? What do these beautiful pediments represent? Follow us, we'll tell you everything!
When you visit a town, you are attracted by its old centre and the treasures it contains. The old town of Ajaccio is no exception to the rule and hides some beautiful historical facades...
Let's take as a starting point of this escapade the place Foch (called place des Palmiers by the Ajaccians). Napoleon, then First Consul, had this square built so that it would become a link between the old town and the suburb.
Three axes run from the square:
- The main artery of the old town: rue Bonaparte
- The main access road to Ajaccio at the time: rue Fesch
- The avenue of the 1st Consul which ends at the Casone (becoming in turn cours Grandval and cours Général Leclerc)
Let us then take rue Bonaparte (formerly Carittu Drittu) which was for a long time the main street of Ajaccio. It was the only gateway to the city, which was demolished in 1801 at the same time as the ramparts.
At number 17, you can see the Palazzu Pozzo di Borgo a 4-star hotel with a remarkable marble portal. It is a former mansion belonging to the family of Charles André Pozzo di Borgo, Napoleon's sworn enemy. Immerse yourself in history by spending one (or more) night(s) there!
We head for the citadel, whose initial role was to protect the city from maritime attacks. Now owned by the city, it is currently being restored. Don't hesitate to visit it with Pierre-André, our guide.
Seen from above, the citadel has the shape of a six-pointed star, each one being a bastion. The four corner bastions are named after the four evangelists.
Let's take advantage of being close to rue Forcioli Conti to walk along it. Don't forget to stop in front of theSt Erasmus Church (fishermen's church) whose interior is decorated with models of boats. Just next door, let's admire the façade of the Peraldi house (classified as a historical monument). Like many houses in the old town, it cannot be visited as it is a private property inhabited by the family.
At the corner of the cathedral turn right and go to rue Roi de Rome. The oldest street in the city is one of the most popular places for evening entertainment in Ajaccio, with its wine bars and restaurants.
If you look up, you can see the bell tower of the St Jean-Baptiste oratory where Napoleon's brothers and sisters were baptised.
At the corner of this church is the rue Saint-Charles. It is at number 5 of this street that Napoleon was born in the Bonaparte HouseIt is the most visited museum in Corsica.
Opposite the building, the square Letizia. A bust of the King of Rome, as a child, is enthroned in the centre, surrounded by Mediterranean or tropical plant species; their presence is intended to prove the mildness of the Ajaccio climate...
We continue to the end of the street and turn left. We are back in Place Foch.
We look forward to seeing you soon to walk the streets of our city together...
