The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Ajaccio

AJACCIO, ā-yā′chō, or AJAZZO ā-yät′zō, France, capital of the department and island of Corsica, on its southwest coast, on a tongue of land projecting into the Gulf of Ajaccio. It is sheltered by mountains from the north and east winds; and the town and bay are defended by a citadel. The entrance into the harbor is rendered unsafe by projecting rocks. Ajaccio is the birthplace of Napoleon; the house in which he was born is still in a state of good preservation and has become the property of the nation. It is the handsomest city of Corsica and the seat of a bishop. It contains a cathedral, a communal college, a public library, a botanical garden, etc. In the commercial world it is famous for its coral and sardine fisheries, and it has also a trade in wine, grain, olive-oil, and fruits. During the European War its importance was increased as a naval base for the allied fleets operating in Mediterranean waters.