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Origin and history

The National Palace of Corte, also known as the Square House, is a building built in the early seventeenth century (between 1600 and 1630) to house the lieutenant representing the government of Genoa in Corte. This building, of sober and functional style, illustrates Genoese administrative architecture in Corsica, marked by a strong political and military presence on the island.

In 1755, under the leadership of Pascal Paoli, Corsica proclaimed its independence and the National Palace became the seat of the Corsican Parliament until 1769. This period marks the climax of the sovereign Corsican nation, with Corte as its political and symbolic capital. The building then embodies the autonomous and democratic aspirations of the island.

In the 19th century, the building was converted into a prison, reflecting post-revolutionary political upheavals and the gradual integration of Corsica into France. In the 20th century, it houses a museum, showing its heritage and memorial importance. Ranked a Historic Monument in 1975, it remains a symbol of Corsican history, between foreign domination and the quest for autonomy.

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