Cimetiere Marin Ancien (Old Marine Cemetery), Ajaccio

The Old Marine Cemetery of Ajaccio, built in 1840, is a historic burial site that reflects the city's rich past. It is locally known as "Canicciu", a name derived from the buried watercourse that once nourished sugar cane fields in the area. Expanded in 1868 by architect Jerome Maglioli, the cemetery now holds 3,157 plots, serving as the final resting place for former mayors, war heroes, and resistance fighters.

With its ornate tombs, chapels, and mausoleums, the cemetery is not just a place of remembrance but also an architectural and cultural landmark. Its layout, resembling an urban grid with streets and squares, creates a solemn yet structured environment. Among its most notable burials is Tino Rossi, the famous singer, whose funeral in 1983 drew both dignitaries and everyday admirers.

The cemetery’s identity is shaped by its elaborate family chapels that serve as historical markers of Ajaccio’s elite. Among the many tombs, visitors will find the graves of Francois Coty, the influential perfumer and businessman, and Fred Scamaroni, a resistance hero during World War II. As one of Ajaccio’s most atmospheric sites, the Old Marine Cemetery offers a journey through the city’s history, traditions, and distinguished figures.