Monument commémoratif de Napoléon Ier

The memorial to Napoleon I stands in Place d'Austerlitz and depicts the Emperor in military dress atop a granite base. Six steps rise to the structure, flanked on each side by bronze eagles that frame the composition.

The monument was unveiled in 1938 after General Dominique Leandri's committee began fundraising for it in 1935. It reproduces a bronze sculpture that once stood atop the Vendôme Column in the French capital.

The statue shows Napoleon dressed for battle and holds meaning for locals connected to the island's identity. The square serves as a gathering place where people encounter this representation of their region's most famous son.

The monument sits on the western side of Place d'Austerlitz, making it easy to access and view from multiple angles. The open square provides clear sightlines to examine the structure and its decorative elements up close.

The two bronze eagles with outstretched wings are standalone artworks mounted on separate pedestals. These eagles add a symbolic dimension to the memorial that extends beyond the simple portrayal of a single figure.

Location: Ajaccio

Architects: Roger Séassal

Address: 4 Place d'Austerlitz, 20000 Ajaccio, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-23:00

Website: https://pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/IA2A001900

GPS coordinates: 41.91636,8.72374

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01