Ajaccio cathedral is known for its importance in the eyes of Napoleon Bonaparte. On his deathbed, he asked to be buried in the imperial chapel with his ancestors, in the same place where he was baptized. A cathedral was approved for Ajaccio following the request of the Councils of Elders to Pope Gregory XIII. The Holy Cross Church which was to be demolished in 1593 was transformed into a cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin. The architectural simplicity of the Cathedral hides seven beautifully decorated chapels. The Cathedral is open mornings and afternoons.