The mountain range

Called Monti Piddirinu in Sicilian dialect, it is a “small” mountain range 609 metres high, characterised by steep slopes over whose surfaces the water does not flow, but instead filters through numerous cracks and crevices.

Goethe defined it as “the most beautiful promontory in the world”, because he spotted those magical contrasts, the majestic nature and its sweetness, which were so loved in the eighteenth century and in the era of Romanticism.

The Santa Rosalia Sanctuary

One of those caves is home to the Sanctuary of the patron saint of Palermo. On Monte Pellgrino, on 15 July 1624, the bones of the saint were discovered, thanks to help from Girolama La Gattuta, to whom the saint had given instructions regarding where to find her.

From then, especially during the patron saint’s holidays, thousands of devotees perform the acchianata, a ritual where they climb the mountain to ask for help from the patron saint.

Getting there

To get to the Sanctuary, you can use the 812 bus from Piazza Sturzo (close to the Politeama Theatre). But if you wish to go higher, arm yourself with courage and a bottle of water – you won’t be disappointed!

Did you know?

In 1624, while the plague struck Palermo, a man in despair after his wife’s death climbed the mountain to commit suicide. Stopped by a vision of the saint, he received instructions from her regarding how to perform a procession with her remains.

Legend has it that on 9 June 1625, during the procession, to the song of Te Deum Laudamus, the plague ended and Palermo was saved. The Palermitan senate, as a sign of thanks, decided to have the Sanctuary in Santa Rosalia built.

www.santuariosantarosalia.it/monte-pellegrino/

Our homes in Palermo.