Ajaccio

Understand

Although the coastline of Ajaccio and its natural harbour was almost certainly visited many times in antiquity, the development of a proper city did not happen until the late 1400s when the Genoese built a citadel that still stands to this day and serves as a military installation for the French army.

After most of Corsica was conquered by the French in the 1700s, Ajaccio remained a Genoese territory until the late 1760s.

Napoleon Bonaparte (Napoleone di Buonaparte) was born in Ajaccio in 1769 just after the city became the capital of Corsica. Although from mostly Italian-Corsican heritage, Napoleon rose through the ranks of the French military to become the leader of France and then Emperor. For a time he also ruled most of Europe.

Ajaccio was one of the last cities to become French in Europe, but it was the first French city to be liberated in 1943 following the fall of the Third Republic in 1940.

See

thumb|Interior of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta d'Ajaccio

Do

Football: AC Ajaccio were relegated in 2023 so they now play soccer in Ligue 2, the second tier in France. Their home ground (capacity 10,400) is 2 km east of town centre.

Drink

Look for local red or rosé wines with "Ajaccio AOC" on the label, or enjoy a Aperol Spritz. There are a wide variety of wine bars, brasseries, and cafes. Avoid the touristy Irish and English pubs. Drink responsibly.

Connect

As of June 2022, Ajaccio has 5G from all French carriers.

The Post Office is at 13 Cr Napoléon, West of and up the hill from the Cruise Dock and Market (see "Eat"), and north of the Cathedral of the Assumption (see "See").

Buildings, streets, and sidewalks are not necessarily disability accessible. There are steep slopes on the hills. Some streets are actually steps or stairs, and many are cobblestone. There are no buses by the docks or close to the major sites. However, there are several bus lines, on Cr Napoléon and Bl Albert 1er, that connect with the train station (Gare Ajaccio), beaches (plage), restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Go next

Either head south towards Porto Vecchio or Bonifacio, or inland via Corte to points north.