Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta

The Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta, in Ajaccio

The Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta, or Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, is the baroque cathedral of Ajaccio, recognisable by its ochre façade and its grey-blue dome. The Ajaccio audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary of the end of the sixteenth century, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, where the young Napoleon was baptised.

The baroque sanctuary of the Counter-Reformation

Do not trust its modest size: this pretty baroque cathedral, with an ochre façade and a grey-blue dome, is the Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta. Dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, it was built at the end of the sixteenth century, replacing the cathedrals of the sixth and twelfth centuries that had preceded it, and following the Latin cross architecture typical of the Counter-Reformation. The sixteenth century is a key moment in the history of Christianity: in the midst of religious war and facing the Protestant reformation, the Catholic Church launched a great movement of Counter-Reformation, of which baroque art, staging the glory of God, was one of the expressions. Unlike the Gothic cathedrals conceived for processions, the baroque churches favour a vast unified space turned towards the altar. Inside, in an atmosphere conducive to contemplation, the cathedral keeps a fine decor, polychrome marbles, lateral chapels and works of art, among which a canvas attributed to Eugène Delacroix. This sanctuary occupies a particular place in the memory of Ajaccio: it is here that the young Napoleon Bonaparte was baptised in 1771. With its characteristic dome and its history mingled with that of the imperial town, the cathedral is one of the spiritual hearts of the old town. A baroque cathedral and a place of memory, the Santa-Maria Assunta is discovered with respect.

What to see

Here you discover, with respect, the baroque cathedral with an ochre façade and a grey-blue dome, built at the end of the sixteenth century in the Latin cross style of the Counter-Reformation and dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin; the interior keeps polychrome marbles, chapels and works of art, including a canvas attributed to Delacroix, and it is here that the young Napoleon was baptised in 1771. The Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta is a spiritual heart of Ajaccio. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta lies in the heart of the old town of Ajaccio, a few steps from the Maison Bonaparte, reachable on foot. A place of worship in activity, it can be visited with respect for services; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the sacred character of the place.

Why is the cathedral of Ajaccio famous?

Because this baroque cathedral of the end of the sixteenth century, with an ochre façade and a grey-blue dome, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin, is one of the spiritual hearts of the old town and the place where the young Napoleon Bonaparte was baptised in 1771; it keeps inside polychrome marbles, chapels and a canvas attributed to Delacroix.

Where is the Cathedral of Santa-Maria Assunta in Ajaccio?

In the heart of the old town of Ajaccio, a few steps from the Maison Bonaparte, in Corsica.