Did you know that originally the Bonaparte family hails from Sarzana? In the city archives a document dating back to 1529 contains information regarding Francesco Bonaparte, who moved to Ajaccio to serve the Republic of Genoa. From his descendants Napoleon was born. The City is tightly linked to the figure of the leader and his family will be repeatedly guest of Sarzana in several occasions.
August 16th 1817 Marie Louise, Archduchess of Austria, arrived in the city. She became Empress of France after her marriage with Napoleon. Following the collapse of the Empire she changed her noble title into Duchess of Piacenza, Parma and Guastalla.