Sant’Antonino

Sant'Antonino stands at almost 500 m on a granite peak in the Balagne. Around 75 houses cluster around the rock, with lanes, galleries and vaulted passages winding down in a spiral; the position made the village easy to defend. According to tradition, Guido Savelli founded it in the early 9th century, while another source gives the 14th century as the start of settlement. The village is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Sights include the 17th-century parish church of A Nunziata with its multi-storey bell tower, the chapel of the Saint Antoine friary (built 1760 to 1770) and the remains of the old castle. From the top, the view sweeps over the whole of the Balagne. The car park is at the foot of the village; in high season it is best to arrive early. There are many steps, so sturdy footwear is advisable. In high season tour buses stop here, so the village is busy by day and quiet in the evening. Also worth seeing are the chapel of Sainte-Anne-des-Bergers, a restored old bread oven and the Lavasina chapel on Piazza Savelli. There are several restaurants in the village.