

The
four natural grottoes in this area have left a permanent
mark on the collective imagination of the population of
this hilltop village. Legend has it that an Italian princess
named Agnes was suddenly trapped in these hills by a violent
storm. Praying to her patron saint, Agnes found shelter
in the grottoes. In giving thanks, Agnes built a sanctuary
in the rocks that would quickly attract the local inhabitants.
At
800 meters, Sainte Agnes is today the highest
coastal town in Europe offering a spectacular panoramic
view toward the sea that is only 3 kilometers away.


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The
castle was erected in the 12th
century. A stone path near the towns cemetery leads
to the castle walls (which are now under restoration),
a medieval garden courtyard, and a map of the horizon.
The
parish church is dedicated
to Our Lady of the Snows. Inside one can marvel a superb
tabernacle and a wood retable with gold leaf dating from
the 17th century. Just in front of the church a slight
incline leads one to the Culture and Traditions Museum
Space. Here one can admire not only various tools and
local artifacts found during recent archeological digs,
but also many painting and sculpture exhibits put on by
local artists.
The
village was built atop a strong defensive fort, which
in 1940 served to hold back the Italian army. All of the
military artillery is still in perfect working condition.