A stopover in Ajaccio? Don’t miss a visit to the Citadelle Miollis! This emblematic fortress, whose foundation stone was laid in 1492, majestically overlooks the Gulf of Ajaccio. We were won over by its transformation into a cultural and artistic venue, with its guinguette and artisan boutiques giving it a new lease of life.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Ajaccio Citadel?
Is the citadel worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the citadel is definitely worth a visit. We enjoyed the walk along the ramparts of the ancient fortress, which faces the Gulf of Ajaccio. The atmosphere is particularly convivial thanks to the craftsmen’s boutiques and the guinguette that now enliven the place. Here you can take a pleasant break and pick up some great local souvenirs. It’s one of one of the best activities in town!
What’s the citadel famous for?
The citadel is famous for being the place where Fred Scamaroni, the heroic Resistance fighter who created the Gaullist Action R2 Corsica network in 1941, was detained. Mandated by General de Gaulle in January 1943 to unify the Resistance, his time here bears witness to the role played by the fortress during the Second World War.
Our favorite moments
We enjoyed our visit:
- A walk along the fortified walls, and the Powder Magazine
- Artisan boutiques and the guinguette, bringing the place to life
- An ephemeral art installation in the form of a raised seating area, offering a view of the Gulf of Ajaccio.
History in brief
Ajaccio’s Citadelle Miollis has undergone many transformations over the centuries. Here are the main points we have retained:
- 1492: first stone laid by the Genoese
- 1553: expansion by Sampiero’s French troops
- 1559: fortifications reinforced by Giovan Giacomo Palearo (6 bastions)
- 1768: island ceded to the French, who expanded the fortress (casemates, artillery battery, new buildings).
- 1789: reclamation of the site (ditches emptied)
- 19th century: conversion to military barracks
- First World War: rallying point for soldiers from Ajaccio
- World War II: fortress occupied by Italian fascists
- 2020: it becomes the property of the Town of Ajaccio, which gradually opens the site to locals and tourists alike
Access: Ajaccio Citadel, Corsica
Where is the citadel?
- South Corsica
- Ajaccio city center
- Overlooking the Gulf of Ajaccio and Plage Saint-François
- Located between Port Tino Rossi and Ajaccio Cathedral
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Corsica
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
How to get there?
The citadel is within easy walking distance of the town center. For those who prefer public transport, the local Muvistrada bus network crosses the city. The nearest bus stop, “Place de Gaulle”, is just a 7-minute walk away. Find out more here.
Parking
Parking du Diamant is a 7-minute walk from the citadel. This is the most convenient option for parking your vehicle during your visit.
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Best time to visit
We advise against visiting this site in wet weather, as most of it is open air. The high season is not ideal either, due to the crowds and heat in Ajaccio. Opt for spring or autumn, which are quieter periods, when you can take advantage of the guided tours offered by the Tourist Office. It’s best to visit at lunchtime, or at the end of the day for a drink at the guinguette!
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow around 30min for the visit, or more if you wish to store in the small artisan boutiques.
The site’s configuration and military past explain why the ground is uneven and stony in places. The citadel is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility, but work is underway to clean up the site, improve accessibility and fit out public spaces. Adapted toilets are available on site.
Advice on how to visit
Before entering the citadel, contemplate the imposing silhouette that looms over the sea from Boulevard Lantivy, overlooking Plage Saint-François. Then cross the bridge at Boulevard Danièle Casanova to enter the grounds. We noted the presence of directional signs providing information on the names of the buildings. Walk along the high fortified walls and discover its treasures: the Governor’s House, the Genoese Castle, Fred Scamaroni’s cell, etc. Some areas are still closed to the public, as the site is currently being redeveloped. Then head for the boutique workshops, where you’ll discover local handicrafts, and the convivial atmosphere of the guinguette!
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Visiting with children
La Citadelle Miollis offers child-friendly tours and workshops for a fun and educational experience. Find out more about the program here.
Schedules and rates
The citadel is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, and until 11 p.m. for special events.
The visit is free of charge.
Guided tours
Guided tours are available to discover the secrets of the citadel. Find out more here.
Catering
The Restaurant A Ghinguetta Aiaccina, located within the citadel, offers fresh, homemade dishes. It’s the perfect place to take a gourmet break during your visit!
An imposing fortress overlooking the Gulf of Ajaccio
The view of the citadel from outside the site is particularly impressive. We were struck by its monumental silhouette, which appears all the more imposing when viewed from Plage Saint-François. You’ll appreciate its privileged location, making it an emblematic landmark in the Ajaccio landscape. The fortress still bears witness to the strategic importance it once had in defending the town.
Remarkable military architecture
The citadel retains many of its original architectural features, testifying to its military past. We walked along part of the fortifications, which were open to the public at the time of our visit. Reading the educational panels informed us about the function of the various elements that make up the citadel. You’ll discover the Genoese Castle and its parapet walk, the Gunners’ Building, the Governor’s House, Fred Scamaroni’s cell, and the remains of the French army. We could only observe them from the outside, not enter them.
During our visit, an ephemeral art installation allowed us to contemplate the panoramic view over the Gulf of Ajaccio from the top of the ramparts. It was a sort of raised wooden step.
A vibrant place to live and learn
Today, the citadel is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to its guinguette and craft stores. We appreciated the friendly atmosphere that now reigns in the courtyard, where small local creators are given pride of place. Every first Sunday of the month, you can discover their creations during pop-up days organized until October. Although the site is still in the restoration phase, the town has shown a real desire to turn it into a dynamic cultural and social venue.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ajaccio Citadel open to visitors?
Yes, Ajaccio’s Citadelle Miollis has been partially open to the public for several years now, although some parts are currently being rebuilt. Access to exhibitions, shows and guided tours. The site also offers cultural activities and events during its transformation to give the place a new lease of life.
What types of events are organized at the citadel?
Numerous events take place at the citadel throughout the year. We noted the pop-up days for local designers held every 1st Sunday of the month until October. You can also take part in children’s workshops and enjoy the cultural and artistic activities Manifesto has organized to bring this historic site back to life.
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