Ajaccio history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the city's name likely derives from the Roman settlement Adiacium, which existed in the 2nd century AD, the history of modern Ajaccio begins in the Renaissance era. The official founding date is considered to be 1492.

The city was established by representatives of the Genoese Bank of Saint George. Construction began with the erection of a fortified citadel on the cape, marking the start of a new era in the history of the south-western part of Corsica.

Key Factors of Establishment

The transformation of Ajaccio into an important centre was driven by strategic and natural reasons:

• Geography: The city is situated deep within a vast and sheltered bay, providing ideal conditions for ship anchorage and protection from storms.
• Military Control: The Republic of Genoa required a reliable outpost to control the southern part of the island and protect trade routes from pirate raids.
• Climate: The mild climate and the presence of fertile lands in the vicinity facilitated the development of agriculture, which was necessary for supplying the garrison.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first centuries of its existence, Ajaccio developed as a closed fortress city, which shaped its unique character:

• Genoese Exclusivity: Initially, only people from Genoa and Liguria were granted the right to settle within the fortress walls. This created a specific cultural environment that differed significantly from the traditional lifestyle of Corsican villages.
• Trade and Crafts: The economy of early Ajaccio was built around maritime trade, coral harvesting (the famous "red pearls" of the Mediterranean), and fishing.
• Urban Planning: The city was built according to a clear plan with a network of straight streets, which was characteristic of colonial cities of that time and distinguished it from the chaotic medieval layout of other settlements.

Major Milestones in Ajaccio's History

The history of the city is inextricably linked to the struggle of powers for the Mediterranean and the fate of the Bonaparte dynasty.

• 1492: The Bank of Saint George lays the foundation stone of the Ajaccio fortress, establishing the city as a strategic outpost of Genoa in southern Corsica.
• 1553: The city is temporarily captured by French troops led by Marshal de Thermes and the Corsican patriot Sampiero Corso.
• 1559: Under the terms of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis, Ajaccio returns to the administration of the Republic of Genoa.
• 1768: Genoa transfers rights over Corsica to France under the Treaty of Versailles, and a French garrison enters the city's citadel.
• 15 August 1769: Napoleon Bonaparte, the future Emperor of France, is born in his ancestral home in the city centre.
• 1801: Demolition of the medieval fortress walls begins to expand the city territory and improve the street layout.
• 1811: Napoleon issues a decree making Ajaccio the sole capital of the entire island (Department of Corsica), giving a powerful boost to its development.
• 1865: Grand opening of the monument to Napoleon and his brothers on Place du Diamant, cementing Ajaccio's status as an "Imperial City".
• Late 19th Century: The city becomes a popular winter climatic resort for the European, especially English, aristocracy.
• 9 September 1943: Residents of the city launch an uprising against the occupiers, and Ajaccio becomes the first French city liberated during World War II.
• 1976: As a result of administrative reform, the island is divided into two departments, and Ajaccio becomes the prefecture of Corse-du-Sud (South Corsica).
• 1982: The city receives the status of the administrative centre of the newly formed Territorial Collectivity of Corsica, where the island's Assembly sits.

Stages of Development and City Transformation

Ajaccio has come a long way from a closed military citadel to the modern administrative and tourist centre of Corsica. Several key stages can be identified that radically changed the appearance and economy of the city:

• Assignment of Capital Status (1811): Napoleon's decision to make his hometown the sole capital of the island was a turning point. This led to the demolition of cramped medieval walls, the laying of wide avenues (such as the Cours Napoléon), and the construction of administrative buildings, turning the military outpost into a secular city.
• Formation of the "Imperial City" Brand (Mid-19th Century): During this time, the city began actively using the image of the Bonaparte family for self-identification. The installation of monuments and the creation of museums not only changed the cultural landscape but also laid the foundation for future historical tourism.
• Era of the "Winter Resort" (Late 19th Century): Thanks to its exceptionally mild climate, Ajaccio became a popular holiday destination for the European aristocracy. This sparked a construction boom: luxurious hotels appeared (such as the famous Grand Hotel), along with the Quartier des Étrangers ("Foreigners' Quarter") and lush gardens, reorienting the economy towards serving elite guests.
• Post-War Urbanisation (1960–1970s): The city experienced a sharp demographic surge linked to the migration of the rural population to cities. This led to a massive expansion of Ajaccio's boundaries to the east and the emergence of new residential districts, such as Les Salines and Pietralba, turning it into a large agglomeration.
• Transformation into a Transport Hub (20th Century): The modernisation of the seaport to accommodate large ferries and cruise liners, as well as the development of the Campo dell'Oro International Airport (now named after Napoleon Bonaparte), made the city the main gateway to Corsica, ensuring a steady flow of tourists and goods.
• Political Centralisation (1982): Establishing Ajaccio as the seat of the Corsican Assembly and the regional prefecture finally secured its status as the business and political heart of the island, stimulating the development of the service sector and office infrastructure.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Design

The architecture of Ajaccio represents a unique fusion of severe Genoese fortification, Italian Baroque, and French Neoclassicism. The city evolved from a closed military fortress to an open secular resort, which is clearly traced in its development.

Genoese Period: Military Austerity and Renaissance

The oldest layer of the city was formed under the influence of the Republic of Genoa. The main task of that time was defence, which determined the functional and restrained style.

• The Citadel (16th Century): The dominant feature of the old city. This is a classic example of Renaissance military architecture with massive bastions and deep moats, designed to protect the port.
• Old Town (Vielle Ville): Located at the foot of the Citadel. It is characterised by narrow shaded streets and tall pastel-coloured houses with flat facades. There is almost a complete absence of decorative excesses here, which is typical of Ligurian urban planning.

Sacred Architecture: From Mannerism to Baroque

Ajaccio's religious buildings reflect close ties with Italy and the evolution of ecclesiastical styles over three centuries.

• Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Late 16th Century): A vivid example of the transitional style from the late Renaissance to early Baroque. The facade is modest, but the interior features coloured marble and complex altar compositions.
• Oratory of St. John the Baptist: A building hidden amidst residential development, executed in the Baroque style characteristic of the Counter-Reformation, with rich interior decoration and stucco moulding.

Imperial City: Neoclassicism and Regular Layout

In the 19th century, thanks to its status as the birthplace of Napoleon, Ajaccio underwent a radical reconstruction. The city expanded beyond the medieval walls, adopting a more "French" and ceremonial appearance.

• Urban Planning Breakthrough: The demolition of the fortress walls allowed for the laying of wide straight avenues, such as Cours Napoléon. This introduced elements of regular planning and axial symmetry into the city structure.
• Palais Fesch: The building, constructed by Cardinal Fesch, Napoleon's uncle, is a benchmark of Neoclassicism. Strict symmetry, the use of the order system, and monumentality emphasise the imperial ambitions of the Bonaparte family.
• Imperial Chapel (1857): Built by order of Napoleon III. The building is designed in the Neo-Renaissance style, harmoniously complementing the architectural ensemble of the Palais Fesch.

Belle Époque: Eclecticism and Resort Style

In the late 19th century, Ajaccio's transformation into a winter resort for the European elite led to the appearance of buildings designed to impress and provide comfort to foreign guests.

• Foreigners' Quarter (Quartier des Étrangers): Architecture of the Belle Époque predominates here. Grandiose hotels and villas were erected, combining elements of classicism, Art Nouveau, and colonial style.
• Cyrnos Palace Hotel: A former luxury hotel (now an administrative building), demonstrating the opulence of the resort architecture of that time with rich facade decoration.
• Anglican Church: Built in the Neo-Gothic style from local granite, serving as a tribute to the large British community that holidayed in the city.

Prominent Figures Associated with Ajaccio

The history of the city is inextricably intertwined with the fates of people who left a significant mark on world politics, culture, and art. Below are key figures whose names are associated with Ajaccio.

• Napoleon I Bonaparte (1769–1821)
  Emperor of the French, military commander, and statesman
  The city's most famous native. Born in his ancestral home in the centre of Ajaccio. His influence on the city is immense: it was Napoleon who, in 1811, made Ajaccio the sole capital of Corsica, ensuring its administrative and economic prosperity. His memory is immortalised in street names, monuments, and museums.
• Joseph Fesch (1763–1839)
  Cardinal, diplomat, and art collector
  Half-brother of Napoleon's mother and a native of Ajaccio. He amassed one of the largest private painting collections in Europe, which he bequeathed to his hometown. Thanks to him, the Palais Fesch was founded, which today houses a museum with the second most significant collection of Italian painting in France (after the Louvre).
• Tino Rossi (1907–1983)
  Singer and film actor
  A star of 20th-century French pop music, born in Ajaccio. Possessing a unique voice, he became a symbol of romantic song ("Marinella", "Petit Papa Noël"). Tino Rossi brought international fame to Corsica, and today the city's fishing port and one of the central streets bear his name.
• Danielle Casanova (1909–1943)
  Heroine of the French Resistance
  Born in Ajaccio into a family of teachers. She became one of the key figures of the anti-fascist movement in France, organising the women's resistance. She perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp. One of the city's lyceums is named in her honour.
• François Coty (1874–1934)
  Perfumer, industrialist, and politician
  A native of Ajaccio (born Spoturno), a descendant of the Bonapartes. Considered the father of the modern perfume industry. He revolutionised the market by selling perfumes in beautiful bottles and making them accessible to the general public. He served as Mayor of Ajaccio in 1931.
• Fred Scamaroni (1914–1943)
  High-ranking official and hero of the Resistance
  Born in Ajaccio. During World War II, he was sent by General de Gaulle to Corsica to unite the resistance forces. He was captured by the Italian secret police in the Ajaccio citadel and took his own life in his cell to avoid betraying his comrades under torture. A symbol of Corsican courage.
• Lucien Bonaparte (1775–1840)
  Politician and diplomat
  Napoleon's younger brother, born in Ajaccio. Played a decisive role in the coup of 18 Brumaire, which brought Napoleon to power. He served as Minister of the Interior and President of the Council of Five Hundred, leaving a mark on the political history of France.