Sant'Antonino, Medieval village in Balagne, Corsica, France.
Sant'Antonino rises 500 meters above sea level on a granite peak, with 75 stone houses forming a circular pattern around the mountain. The village is tightly packed with houses stacked on top of each other, leaving narrow passages between the buildings.
The village traces its origins to the 9th century, when a defense tower was constructed on the granite peak by Count Ugo Colonna. This early fortification reflected the strategic importance of the location for controlling the Balagne region.
The village preserves traditional Corsican architecture with narrow streets, covered passages, and houses built directly into the rock formations. This building style shows how residents adapted to the steep terrain and made use of the natural landscape.
Visitors must park their vehicles at the entrance and explore the village on foot, as the pathways are too narrow for cars. Electric car charging stations are available in the church square.
The village holds ancient bread ovens and a wine press carved into rock, reflecting centuries of local agricultural practices. These handcrafted structures remain visible today and reveal how residents once lived.
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