Maréchal Foch Square

Commonly known as the Place des Palmiers, the Maréchal Foch Square was created in the early 19th century as the start of the faubourg leading to the old Genoese town. Overlooking the square, gazing out to sea, stands the statue of Napoleon, guarded by a fountain with four lying lions. The marble statue, portraying Napoleon as First Consul, was created by the Italian sculptor Laboureur. Purchased by Cardinal Fesch and donated to the city after his death, the statue was given a pedestal engraved with allegories and inaugurated on May 5, 1850, to mark the anniversary of the emperor’s death. With its white marble, blue sky, palm trees and colorful facades, the square offers a beautiful scene to capture for ever. Don’t hesitate to admire the façade of the town hall, a little further down on your left. This beautiful square house was built in the early 19th century. It is famous for its ceremonial salon, decorated with frescoes by Ajaccio painter Jérôme Maglioli, which has become a genuine museum celebrating the Bonaparte family. Paying an entrance fee is required to view numerous portraits of the imperial family, as well as several works donated by Prince Jérôme-Napoléon in 1897. The frescoes in the salon were renovated in the 1940s, and a magnificent Bohemian crystal chandelier was added in 1969, as a gift from Czechoslovakia to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Napoleon I.