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Ajaccio
Also known as Aiacciu, Aghjacciu, Aiaccio
Ajaccio is the capital and largest city of Corsica, France. It forms a French commune, prefecture of the department of Corse-du-Sud, and head office of the Collectivité territoriale de Corse (capital city of Corsica). It is also the largest settlement on the island. Ajaccio is located on the west coast of the island of Corsica, southeast of Marseille.
AI overview
Ajaccio is the capital and largest city of Corsica, a French island located southeast of Marseille in the Mediterranean. As the administrative center for the region and the island's main settlement, it serves as the seat of Corsica's territorial government.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
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Place details
- Locality
- Ajaccio
- Region
- Corse
- Country
- France
- Population
- 54,364
- Timezone
Travel guide
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.
~42 min read
Article
44 sectionsContents
- Toponymy
- Geography
- Location
- Urbanism
- Climate
- Heraldry
- History
- Antiquity
- Archaeological evidence
- Medieval Genoese period
- Attachment to France
- Napoleon
- 19th and 20th centuries
- Contemporary history
- Economy
- Energy
- Transport
- Road access
- Communal bus services
- Airport
- Port
- Railways
- Administration
- Quarters
- Intercommunality
- Origins
- Twin towns – sister cities
- Demographics
- Health
- Education
- Culture and heritage
- Civil heritage
- Religious heritage
- Environmental heritage
- Interests
- In popular culture
- Sports
- Notable people
- Military
- Gallery
- See also
- Notes
- References
- External links
Ajaccio is the capital and largest city of Corsica, France. It forms a French commune, prefecture of the department of Corse-du-Sud, and head office of the Collectivité territoriale de Corse (capital city of Corsica). It is also the largest settlement on the island. Ajaccio is located on the west coast of the island of Corsica, southeast of Marseille.
The original city went into decline in the Middle Ages, but began to prosper again after the Genoese built a citadel in 1492, to the south of the earlier settlement. After the Corsican Republic was declared in 1755, the Genoese continued to hold several citadels, including Ajaccio, until the French took control of the island.
Gallery (632)
On the map
31 mapped locations