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Origin and history

The Fort of Matra, located in Aléria in Upper Corsica, was built in the 14th century under Genoese domination. It served as a surveillance post to control the borough, east coast and coastal ponds. Its military importance came from its strategic position, at the top of a hill overlooking the plain. The Genoese stored weapons there, making it a target during the Corsican revolt of 1729, resulting in its partial destruction.

Reconstructed after its destruction, the fort welcomed Theodore I of Corsica during his ephemeral reign. He then passed under the control of the Matra family, of which Marius Emmanuel Matra, the best known member, was a Corsican general. The latter, rival of Pascal Paoli, joined the Genoese in obtaining their support, before being killed in 1757. However, the fort remained in the Matra family until its acquisition by the department.

In 1962, the fort was classified as a historical monument, then transformed in 1963 into an archaeological repository for excavations of the ancient site of Alalia (Aleria), located nearby. After its acquisition by the Haute-Corse in 1979, it became the Musée départemental d'archéologie Jérôme-Carcopino, labeled Musée de France. Its history is now linked to the archaeological discoveries of the region, especially those of the ancient city and pre-Roman necropolises.

The museum now houses collections from excavations conducted since the 1960s. This research revealed the historical importance of Aleria, a former Greek colony and then Roman city. The fort, symbol of military power, has become a place of preservation of Corsican heritage, illustrating both its medieval history and its ancient heritage.

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