Chapelle Saint Antoine

The Saint-Antoine Chapel, located at the port of Centuri in Cap Corse, Upper Corsica, is a small religious building that adds a touch of charm and history to this picturesque village, renowned for its lobster fishing and authentic maritime atmosphere. While detailed information about this chapel is less documented than for other Centuri landmarks, such as the Saint-Sylvestre parish complex, it plays a symbolic role in the local landscape.

Location and Context
The Saint-Antoine Chapel is situated right by the port of Centuri, facing the sea, about 50 meters from the round Genoese tower that guards the entrance to the marina. This strategic position, near the docks where fishermen moor their boats, makes it a landmark for both locals and visitors. It is integrated into the port’s colorful setting, surrounded by houses with slate roofs and cobblestone alleys, with the Capense islet as a backdrop. Its location suggests a strong connection to the maritime community in a region where the sea has always dictated the rhythm of life.

History
The exact origins of the Saint-Antoine Chapel are not clearly established in available sources, but it likely dates to the early modern period, between the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when the port of Centuri was developing under Genoese and later French influence. Dedicated to Saint Anthony—possibly Saint Anthony of Padua, known for his miracles and popularity in Corsica, or Saint Anthony the Hermit, protector of animals and the poor—it was likely built to meet the spiritual needs of fishermen and port residents. These individuals, exposed to the dangers of the sea and frequent Barbary pirate attacks until the 18th century, found in this place a space for prayer and protection.
Its history is tied to that of the port itself, which may date back to Antiquity under the name Centurinum Civitas (6th century BC), though the port’s current structure largely stems from the Second Empire (19th century), following its reconstruction after being burned by the British fleet in 1794. The chapel, being older, likely witnessed these transformations, serving as a spiritual anchor over the centuries.

Architecture
The Saint-Antoine Chapel is a modest structure, typical of small Corsican chapels built near inhabited areas. It is likely constructed from local stone, with a simple facade, possibly adorned with a small pediment or cross. Its architecture does not seem to compete with more imposing buildings in Centuri, like the Saint-Sylvestre Church, but rather prioritizes functionality and integration into the port landscape. Inside, one might imagine a minimalist altar and possibly ex-votos or sea-related objects, as is often the case in Corsican coastal chapels, though this remains speculative due to the lack of precise descriptions.

Role and Current State
Historically, the chapel likely served as a place of worship for sailors and their families, who prayed there for safety at sea or gave thanks after a successful fishing trip. Today, it no longer hosts regular services but remains a heritage element of the port. Its state of preservation appears variable: some accounts mention a need for renovation, and a local association, "Friends of the Saint-Antoine Chapel," chaired by Patricia from Le Vieux Moulin (a nearby hotel-restaurant), is committed to its preservation, a sign that it still holds a place in the hearts of the community.

Why It Intrigues
The Saint-Antoine Chapel, with its simplicity and proximity to the sea, embodies the maritime soul of Centuri. It completes the picturesque scene of the port, where fishermen’s colorful nets coexist with Genoese remnants, such as the round tower and the ruins of the Santa Maria Maddalena Chapel on the Capense islet. It is a place where history, faith, and daily life intersect, offering a moment of contemplation amidst the summer bustle.