Ajaccio, Prefecture and capital city in Corsica, France
Ajaccio occupies the northern shore of the Gulf of Ajaccio and includes a 16th-century citadel, an old quarter with narrow lanes, and a modern harbor for ferries and yachts. The waterfront promenade follows the curve of the bay and links several beaches, while forested slopes rise behind the urban area toward the inland hills.
Genoa founded the settlement in 1492 and built fortifications to protect trade in the region. In the 18th century Corsica passed to France, and the town expanded as the administrative center of the island.
The name of the town derives from the Roman harbor Adjacium, yet Corsican traditions now shape the street life during festivals and market days. Locals often speak a Corsican dialect, and on Sundays many shops close for lunch while cafés along the waterfront remain busy.
The market at Place Foch opens every morning and displays local products such as cheese, cured meats, and wine from Corsican farms. Many points of interest lie within walking distance along the waterfront promenade and through the lanes of the old quarter.
A small freshwater lake behind Ricanto beach provides habitat for wading birds that rest during migration. On clear days the snow-covered peaks of the Corsican interior are visible from the coastal road.
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