The cathedral is remarkable for its beautiful high altar. It was donated in 1811 by Princess Elisa, Napoleon’s sister and Grand Duchess of Lucca and Piombino, who took it from the Church of the Dead in Lucca.
The side chapels
There are three of them, each dedicated to a Marian cult:
- Notre-Dame del Pianto, founded by the Cunéo d’Ornano family.
Dating back to the 17th century, it is the oldest part of the cathedral. It is also the most richly decorated with exuberant stucco work, marble and frescoes. The Virgin of the Sacred Heart above the altar is a work by Delacroix (1822). - Notre-Dame del Pianto, founded by the Cunéo d’Ornano family.
Dating back to the 17th century, it is the oldest part of the cathedral. It is also the most richly decorated with exuberant stucco work, marble and frescoes. The Virgin of the Sacred Heart above the altar is a work by Delacroix (1822). - Our Lady of the Rosary, this chapel housed the tomb of the Bonaparte family until the Imperial Chapel was built.
The baptistery and the organs
The baptistery and the organs
The appeal of these organs lies in their case (supported by columns of Corte grey marble).
The treasure
The cathedral treasury contains several precious objects that tell part of the history of Corsica and the city.
A pink marble plaque, placed on the first pillar on the left as you enter, commemorates the dying emperor’s last wishes.
If my body is banned from Paris as I myself have been banned, I wish to be buried alongside my ancestors in the cathedral of Ajaccio, Corsica.
Napoléon