The Pasquale Paoli Museum in Merusaglia +Added to my favoriteItem already present

A museum dedicated to Pasquale Paoli is located in the village of Merusaglia, in the heart of Castagniccia, about fifteen kilometers from Ponte Leccia where he was born. The museum is a classified “Maison des Illustres”, a label awarded to places whose purpose is to preserve the memory of those who played an important part in the political, social and cultural history of France. The museum has a collection of portraits, statues, paintings, coins and unique objects. The stately house in the centre of village, was once home to the Paoli family, known as sgio (feudal barons) of the region. The building is incredibly well-preserved with a slate roof, imposing staircases, vaulted ceilings and traditional chestnut floors which creak under your footsteps, adding an air of authenticity to your visit

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JP Graziani - Guide Conférencier©ATC

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Exhibition: "Pasquale Paoli, un mitu fundatore"

The exhibitions recounts the life of Paoli, General of the Corsican Nation and a man of the Age of Enlightenment, a time of scientific, political and philosophical discourse. The exhibition covers 82 years of history, from his birth in 1725 until his death in 1807, retracing his life through battles and exile and presents a collection of unique objects including maps, letters, official documents and furniture. The four-room Museum features films and interactive touch screen terminals which show interesting historical facts and is perfect for younger visitors. Next door to the museum, discover the Funeral Chapel where the General's ashes are preserved, as well as the plaque which once marked his tomb at the St Pancras Old Church in London.

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La Chapelle funéraire©ATC

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What the exhibition covers:

• . The son of a chief
• · The construction of the Corsican State
• · The battle of Ponte Novu in 1769 which marked the end of the sovereign Corsican state
• · A triumphant return from exile, and the constitution of an Anglo-Corsican kingdom

A bit of history...

Pascal Paoli, General of the Nation, Babbu di a Patria - Father of the Fatherland, wrote one of the most important pages in the history of Corsica in 1755 by endowing it with the first modern constitution, establishing the sovereignty of the people and the separation of powers. These same principles were taken up, thirty-two years later, as the foundation of the Constitution of the United States of America. Paoli’s life and work have over the years been somewhat overshadowed. However, inspired by the principles of the Age of Enlightenment and by Montesquieu, Virgil, Livy and Machiavelli, a disciple of Genovesi, Paoli acquired international notoriety. Among many who paid tribute to his actions were Voltaire, Rousseau, Boswell and Goethe, the Emperor Joseph II, King George III of England, Louis XVI, Catherine II of Russia and Frederick II of Prussia, as well as General Washington and the American insurgents. At Westminster Abbey, where British Kings and Queens are crowned, his bust is on display and a marble plaque states: "in memory of Paoli, one of the most eminent and illustrious men of his time". (Source: Portail Patrimoine CDC)

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 More news

• In 2024, the museum will dedicate an exhibition to James Boswell
• In 2025, the three-hundredth anniversary year of Paoli's birth, there will be several meetings and conferences leading to a major exhibition
• A sculpture paying tribute to Pascal Paoli entitled "Illuminismu" by Dumè Paolini has been erected at the entrance of the Museum.

Illuminisimu - Dumè Paolini©ATC