In Saint Philip’s footsteps.

THE PLAN

Six places, one story.

In Agira, memories of Saint Philip run through the streets and everyday life. This itinerary brings together religious heritage and oral tradition: accounts of miracles and struggles with the devil belong to the community’s devotion and folklore. Choose the order of your stops according to your starting point and opening hours.

1. 01

   At the heart of Agira’s devotion

   San Filippo Abbey

   The abbey is central to understanding Agira’s connection with Saint Philip. Its artworks and religious heritage tell the long story of his worship.

   Look at the facade: at its centre, the saint is shown defeating the devil, an image echoed in stories about the other stops. Inside, the wooden choir recounts episodes from his life in carved scenes.

   The church also includes the Cateva, the underground chamber traditionally identified as the saint’s burial place. A visit offers an insight into one of the most intimate expressions of local devotion.

   In town · subject to opening hours

   Good to know. Check access to the church and Cateva. The dedicated page has parish contacts and audio guides in Italian and English.

   Explore the abbey and audio guides
2. 02

   Between rock and memory

   Cave of San Filippo

   Local tradition identifies this cave as the saint’s dwelling: a place of prayer and meditation, and the setting of his legendary struggles with the devil.

   The site has a more complex history. The account published by Pro Loco and written by maestro Salvatore Rocca interprets it as a late Roman underground burial chamber, later reused. The burial recesses and traces of worship reveal different uses of the same space.

   Traces of an image of the saint survive on the wall to the right of the altar. Popular devotion has interpreted it as an imprint left during a struggle with devils: an example of how the community has understood the rock through its stories.

   In town · check access in advance

   Good to know. Check opening arrangements locally. The marker identifies the place and does not guarantee access inside.

   Explore the cave
3. 03

   A petra i San Fulippu

   Stone of San Filippo

   At Via Roma 55, a small place of worship preserves one of the most distinctive memories of Agira’s patron saint.

   According to legend, Saint Philip challenged the devil to send a boulder further downhill. The saint’s stone is said to have won the contest, linking this part of town to his name.

   Alongside the legend is a record of the sulphur miners’ devotion. The local historical account states that in 1867 they built the chapel and placed a boulder from the mine beneath its altar, entrusting themselves to the saint’s protection.

   A stop here also brings you closer to the history of work and the people who placed their hopes in Saint Philip.

   In town · Via Roma 55

   Good to know. The chapel is opened during the Feast of Saint Philip and on other occasions connected with the Saint.

4. 04

   At the summit of Monte Teja

   San Pietro in Vincoli

   The castle chapel, at the summit of Monte Teja, adds a stop at Agira’s highest point to the walk through Saint Philip’s places.

   According to tradition, Saint Philip had a chapel dedicated to Saint Peter in Chains built here. The site connects the saint’s story with the hill overlooking the town.

   Combine this stop with a visit to the castle, its towers and the surrounding views. Check locally whether the chapel interior is accessible.

   Monte Teja · uphill walk

   Good to know. The climb includes slopes and steps. Wear comfortable shoes, allow for breaks and stay within areas open to visitors.

   Explore the castle
5. 05

   Devotion in Piazza Europa

   Chapel of San Fulippuzzu tri puzedda (tri pulzelle)

   In Piazza Europa, this devotional chapel preserves another expression of Agira’s bond with Saint Philip.

   Its popular name, also remembered in the form “tri pulzelle”, identifies a place of prayer distinct from the Stone of San Filippo chapel on Via Roma.

   This stop shows how devotion to the patron saint extends into everyday spaces, alongside the main churches and more secluded places of worship.

   In town · Piazza Europa

   Good to know. Walk here and respect any moments of prayer. The map marker does not guarantee that the chapel is open.

6. 06

   The fountain of the devils

   Maimone Fountain

   In contrada Urselluzzo, Maimone Fountain, also known as the Fountain of the Devils, is another setting in the local stories of Saint Philip.

   According to legend, the devil Maimone lived near the spring and an adjacent cave, where the saint defeated and chained him. The fountain’s name preserves this story, told with variations in the devil’s name.

   The spring, used for watering animals, brings together a place of everyday life and the community’s religious imagination.

   Contrada Urselluzzo · driving recommended

   Good to know. We recommend driving here because of its distance from the town centre. Stop before or after visiting the other places associated with Saint Philip.