Avenue Jean Nicoli

In the footsteps of Jean Nicoli, hero of the Corsican Resistance

Born in 1899 into a family of modest grocers, Jean Nicoli grew up in the heart of Corsica with his three brothers and sister. After brilliant studies at the École Normale d'Instituteurs in Ajaccio, he began his teaching career on his native island. It was there that he met Marie-Jeanne Olivieri, also a schoolteacher, whom he married before flying off to Africa. The couple settled in Senegal in the 1920s-1930s, where they raised their two children.

But the call of the fatherland brought him back to Corsica at the dark hour of the Italian Occupation. Jean Nicoli became one of the great leaders of the island's Resistance, alongside Nonce Benielli and Arthur Giovoni. A member of the Front National de la Résistance - a movement founded by Communist patriots - he bravely coordinated Corsican networks and took part in the secret Pearl Harbour mission, which arrived on the island aboard the famous submarine Casabianca.

On February 6, 1943, in the bay of Arone, Jean Nicoli and his companions organized the first reception of weapons delivered to liberate the island: 450 machine pistols and 60,000 rounds of ammunition. Thanks to the commitment of the Corsicans, the Resistance grows stronger, receiving over 150 tons of weapons from the Casabianca and 250 tons dropped by British bombers.

Alas, denounced by a collaborator, Jean Nicoli is arrested in June 1943. Sentenced to death for military espionage, he was executed on August 30, 1943 in Bastia. Right up to his last breath, he showed exceptional courage, refusing to be blindfolded in front of his firing squad.

Jean Nicoli thus joins other heroic figures of the Corsican Resistance such as Fred Scamaroni, who died in prison for not betraying his companions, or Danielle Casanova, who disappeared in the Nazi camps.

Corsica, France's first liberated land

On November 11, 1942, Italian troops occupied Bastia under Mussolini's orders. But the flame of freedom was not extinguished in Corsica! On September 9, 1943, the insurrection was launched:

"Patriots of Corsica, to arms against Hitler! Italian soldiers, with us against the enemy of Europe!"

With courage and determination, Corsicans and Moroccan Tabors fought together to drive out the occupying forces. On September 23, 1943, the troops landed at Ajaccio, before engaging in the decisive battle of Teghime.

On October 8, 1943, in Ajaccio, General de Gaulle hailed the achievement of an entire island:

"Corsica has the fortune and honor of being the first liberated piece of France."

Today, the memory of Jean Nicoli still embodies Corsica's bravery and loyalty to freedom. Follow in his footsteps and discover a heroic page in the island's history!