Dedicated to the patron saint of the Principality and the Prince’s family, the
Church of Sainte-Dévote has nestled in a cranny of the Vallon des Gaumates
since the 11th century.
In the 4th century A.D., Corsica had been the scene of Christian
persecution. A young Christian called Dévote was imprisoned and tortured.
After her death, the Governor of the province ordered her body to be burned.
Other Christians took it away and placed it in a little boat. A storm blew up, and a
dove flew out of Dévote’s mouth. The same dove
guided the boat to the Vallon des Gaumates. An oratory was erected on the site
of her burial place.
Every year on January 27th, the relics of the Saint are borne along in a
procession from the Cathedral to the Church of Sainte-Dévote, with a
blessing of the sea, then the burning of the boat along the way.
• I f you are returning by train, you can reach the station by taking the narrow
street to the left of the church. If you are returning by bus, wait for bus
N°100 at the SAINTE DEVOTE bus-stop.
