An island that has always fought
The history of Corsica reads like an adventure novel. For centuries the island has been conquered, occupied, sold and liberated. Yet through it all, the Corsicans have preserved their own identity. Visitors who know something of this history quickly understand why the Corsicans are so fiercely proud of their island.
Under Genoese rule (1284-1768)
After centuries of shifting rule by Romans, Vandals, Byzantines and Pisans, Corsica came under the control of the Republic of Genoa in the 13th century. The Genoese built citadels, churches and the famous coastal towers, but governed the island primarily in their own interest. The population was heavily taxed and had few rights.
Resistance grew steadily. In the 18th century, the Corsicans rose up under the leadership of Pasquale Paoli, a visionary who proclaimed an independent Corsican republic in 1755.
Paoli and the first democracy in Europe
Pasquale Paoli was far ahead of his time. He made Corte the capital, founded a university there and drafted a constitution based on the separation of powers and popular sovereignty. Philosophers such as Rousseau and Voltaire wrote admiringly about him. The Scotsman James Boswell visited the island and published a travel account that fascinated all of Europe.
But independence was short-lived. The weakened Genoese sold Corsica to France in 1768 (Treaty of Versailles). Paoli organised armed resistance but was defeated at the Battle of Ponte Nuovo in 1769. He fled to England.
Did you know Paoli's struggle for freedom was a direct source of inspiration for the American Sons of Liberty. The Corsican constitution was one of the first democratic constitutions in the world.
Napoleon: the most famous Corsican
Just three months after the French conquest, Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Ajaccio. His father Carlo had initially fought alongside Paoli but ultimately chose the French side. Napoleon grew up as a Frenchman, yet his Corsican origins marked him for life.
In Ajaccio, Napoleon is everywhere: his birthplace is a museum, his statue stands on Place de Gaulle, and the Salon Napoleonien in the town hall displays family portraits and memorabilia.
The liberation of 1943
A lesser-known but remarkable chapter is the liberation of Corsica during the Second World War. After the Italian capitulation in September 1943, the Corsican resistance sprang into action. Supported by the Free French, who brought weapons and troops ashore by submarine (the legendary Casabianca), the Corsicans liberated their island themselves.
On 4 October 1943, the last German troops left the island via Bastia. Corsica thus became the first French department to be liberated, well before D-Day.
Insider tip In Corte, the historic capital, you'll find the Musee de la Corse. It provides an excellent overview of the island's history and Corsican identity. A must for anyone wanting to learn more.
An identity of its own
Since 1975, Corsica has been divided into two departments: Haute-Corse (capital Bastia) and Corse-du-Sud (capital Ajaccio). The island has its own regional government and greater autonomy than most French regions. The Corsican language is still spoken and appears on street signs alongside French.
On Corsica, history is not a closed book. It is a living story that you encounter everywhere: in the villages, on the squares, in conversations with the people.