Maison Bonaparte
Corse
Maison Bonaparte, located on Rue Saint-Charles in Ajaccio, Corsica, is the historic family home of the Bonaparte dynasty, including Napoleon Bonaparte. The house was first acquired in 1682 by Giuseppe Buonaparte and later expanded by Carlo Buonaparte. It served as the birthplace of most of Carlo's children, including Napoleon. The house experienced turmoil during Corsican nationalist conflicts, being looted and partially burned, and was temporarily occupied by British officers. After restoration funded by the French Directory, the family returned before eventually leaving again in 1799. The house passed through various family hands and was refurbished by Empress Eugénie in the mid-19th century to commemorate Napoleon's centennial. In 1967, it was established as a national museum, preserving the family's legacy and Corsican heritage. Today, it offers visitors insight into the Bonaparte family's origins, their Corsican roots, and Napoleon's early life, making it a unique cultural and historical site.
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Tip: The museum is open daily except Mondays, with seasonal hours varying between October and September. Individual visitors can enter without prior reservation, but group visits require advance booking with an official guide. To ensure entry, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before the last admission time, especially during peak seasons. Check the official website for current exhibitions and events, and consider visiting during less crowded periods for a more intimate experience.
Interesting facts
- •The house was almost continuously owned by the Bonaparte family from 1682 to 1923.
- •During the Corsican nationalist uprising, the house was looted and burned by Pasquale Paoli's followers.
- •British officers were billeted in the house during their occupation of Corsica, with a legend that Hudson Lowe lived there briefly.
- •Empress Eugénie expanded and refurbished the house to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Napoleon's birth.
- •The museum is the most visited national museum in Corsica, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually.
History
The Bonaparte family first acquired the house in 1682 when Giuseppe Buonaparte consolidated ownership.
It was expanded by Carlo Buonaparte in the 18th century and served as the birthplace of Napoleon and most of his siblings.
Following political conflict with Corsican nationalist Pasquale Paoli, the family fled and the house was looted and burned.
After British occupation and subsequent French restoration, the family returned before leaving permanently in 1799.
The house was later refurbished by Empress Eugénie in the 1850s and became a national museum in 1967.
Place Guide
The Birthroom of Napoleon Bonaparte1769
This room is where Napoleon Bonaparte was born and spent his early childhood, offering a glimpse into the private life of the Bonaparte family.
The Family Salon18th century
The main salon where the Bonaparte family gathered and entertained guests, reflecting the family's status and lifestyle in 18th-century Corsica.
The Historical Exhibition Rooms
Rooms dedicated to exhibitions on the Bonaparte family's history, Napoleon's life, and Corsican heritage, featuring artifacts and documents.
Contact
Phone: 04 95 21 43 89
