Ajaccio Cathedral
Corse
Ajaccio Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption of Ajaccio, is a Roman Catholic church located in Ajaccio, Corsica. Built between 1577 and 1593, it replaced the former Cathedral of Saint-Croix, destroyed to enhance city defenses. The cathedral is attributed to the Italian architect Giacomo della Porta and exemplifies Baroque and Mannerist architectural styles. Its ocher Baroque façade reflects Counter-Reformation influences. The interior features a Latin cross layout with a high, wide nave covered by Renaissance-style barrel vault arches and a dome over the transept. Notable elements include the marble baptismal font engraved with the coat of arms of Bishop Jules Guistiniani, where Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized in 1771. The altar, originally from the Church of the Suffragio in Lucca, was gifted by Napoleon's sister Elisa Bonaparte in 1809 and is made of polychrome marble with twisted black marble columns. The cathedral houses seven side chapels, with prominent ones dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Madonna of Pianto, featuring artworks by Domenico Tintoretto and Eugène Delacroix. A large pipe organ built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1849 enhances the cathedral's cultural significance. The cathedral has been a French national heritage site since 1906 and remains a symbol of Corsican religious and historical identity.
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Tip: Visitors should consider arriving early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Booking guided tours or audio guides in advance is recommended to fully appreciate the cathedral’s rich history and art. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. The cathedral is especially atmospheric during religious festivals, notably the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th, which also commemorates Napoleon’s birth legend.
Interesting facts
- •Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized in Ajaccio Cathedral on July 21, 1771.
- •On his deathbed in 1821, Napoleon expressed his wish to be buried in Ajaccio Cathedral with his ancestors.
- •The cathedral’s marble baptismal font bears the inscription 'Heic baptisatus Magnus Imperator' meaning 'Here is baptized the Great Emperor.'
- •The altar was originally from the Church of the Suffragio in Lucca and was gifted by Napoleon’s sister Elisa Bonaparte.
- •The cathedral houses murals by Domenico Tintoretto and Eugène Delacroix’s painting 'The Triumph of Religion.'
- •The pipe organ was built by renowned organ maker Aristide Cavaillé-Coll in 1849.
History
The current Ajaccio Cathedral was constructed between 1577 and 1593 to replace the earlier Cathedral of Saint-Croix, which was destroyed in 1553 to improve the city's defenses.
The building was designed by Giacomo della Porta and completed under Bishop Jules Guistiniani.
It is historically significant as the baptism site of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1771.
The cathedral has undergone various restorations and additions, including the installation of a polychrome marble altar gifted by Elisa Bonaparte in 1809.
It was designated a monument historique in 1906, highlighting its cultural and architectural importance in Corsica.
Place Guide
Main Nave and Dome1577-1593
The central nave is high and wide, covered with Renaissance-style barrel vault arches, leading to a dome over the transept, exemplifying the cathedral's Baroque and Renaissance architectural fusion.
Marble Baptismal Font1593
A simple marble bowl engraved with the coat of arms of Bishop Jules Guistiniani, surmounted by a Tuscan bronze crown and inscribed in Latin noting Napoleon’s baptism here.
Polychrome Marble AltarEarly 17th century (original), 1809 (gifted)
Originally from the Church of the Suffragio in Lucca, this altar was gifted by Elisa Bonaparte in 1809. It features four twisted black marble columns from Porto Venere and Corinthian orders with a double pedestal.
Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy1752
A 1752 chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, patron saint of Ajaccio, featuring a marble altar designed by Genoese sculptors and decorated with spiral Brocatello marble from Spain.
Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary1765
Built in 1765, this chapel contains a stucco altar and depictions of the Mysteries of the Rosary, along with statues of Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena.
Chapel of the Madonna of Pianto18th century
An 18th-century chapel housing murals by Domenico Tintoretto and Eugène Delacroix’s painting 'The Triumph of Religion.'
Pipe Organ1849
A large pipe organ built in 1849 by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, later restored and electrified, enhancing the cathedral’s musical heritage.
Contact
Phone: 04 95 21 07 67
