Discover the imperial chapel, the last home of the Bonapartes

It was Napoleon III who had the Imperial Chapel built, following the will of Cardinal Fesch. Cardinal Fesch wanted to pay tribute to his uncle and friend, Napoleon, who had built a powerful empire in the early 1800s. The cardinal also wanted to build a place where the Bonaparte family could be buried. The crypt now houses the body of Cardinal Fesch, as well as those of Napoleon's father and mother. Napoleon himself resides at Les Invalides in Paris. The chapel, in the heart of Ajaccio's old town, is listed as a historic monument by the Monuments de France.

Cardinal Fesch, an edifying figure

Born in Ajaccio, Joseph Fesch was Napoleon Bonaparte's uncle. They were 6 years apart and had a brotherly relationship. Throughout his life, he was a loyal friend to Napoleon, supporting and advising him when he was emperor. A simple priest, he became Cardinal of Lyon in 1802. He acquired imperial dignities, which enabled him to build up what is still today one of the finest collections of works of art in the world. The paintings were exhibited in the Palais Fesch, which is now a museum. Joseph Fesch wanted to create an institute of arts and sciences for Corsica. Unfortunately, he died before he could launch the project. Today, his statue stands in front of the chapel. He is buried alongside Napoleon's family in the imperial tomb.

Inspired by the neoclassical style, the Imperial Chapel is a monument with slender lines and a fleshy dome. It was very much in vogue for the 19th century style. The interior is dotted with colourful floral motifs. The central aisle leads under the dome, which is decorated with trompe l'oeil motifs that imitate stone sculptures. This technique of grey paint and shading is widely used in Corsican church decorations. The chapel's architect, Émile Boeswillwald, was also involved in designing the Louvres, the Tuileries Gardens and other impressive French monuments.

📍 Location: 50-54 Rue Cardinal Fesch, 20000 Ajaccio

🚌 Getting there: the chapel is located right in the centre of Ajaccio's old town, which is very pleasant to visit. You can walk to the chapel. From Saint-François beach, the walk takes 15 minutes.

👛 Admission: includes a visit to the imperial chapel and the Palais Fesch

• adults: 8 euros
• concessions (students, over 65 years old, etc.): 5 euros
• Free for under-18 years old

⏰ Opening times: Apart from its annual closure from 1 to 16 January, the chapel is open :

• From 1 November to 30 April, 9am to 5pm, every day.
• 1 May to 31 October, 9.15 am to 6 pm, daily.