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Church · Palermo, Sicília
Santuario di Santa Rosalia
Sanctuary in a grotto on Monte Pellegrino, 600 meters above Palermo, where Saint Rosalia lived, patron saint of the city. The road up there has views over the gulf.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Santuario di Santa Rosalia
Monte Pellegrino is the roughly 600‑metre promontory that closes Palermo's bay to the north. Near the top is the Santuario di Santa Rosalia, built at the entrance of a grotto where, according to tradition, the saint lived as a hermit in the 12th century.
In 1624, during a plague epidemic, remains attributed to Rosalia were found in the grotto. The relics were carried in procession through the city and the end of the plague was credited to her; she became the patron saint of Palermo. Inside the grotto, with water running down the walls, there is a recumbent statue of the saint covered by a golden mantle, and many ex‑votos.
The winding road up has viewpoints over the harbour, the city and the Conca d'Oro. On the night of 3 to 4 September many Palermitans walk up on pilgrimage, the acchianata. The mountain area is a nature reserve, with pines and trails.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes at the sanctuary; two to three hours including the route and the viewpoints.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, for the view of the gulf. Avoid pilgrimage days in July and early September if you want peace and quiet.
How to get there
Urban buses run from Piazza Politeama up to the sanctuary; check the line and timetables. By car or taxi it's about 25 minutes from the centre. There is also an old footpath with a steep ascent.
Tip
Bring a light jacket: it's windier at the top. Shoulders and knees should be covered in the sanctuary. Combine the visit with Mondello, which is on the other side of the mountain.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Santuario di Santa Rosalia
How to go up Monte Pellegrino?
By urban bus from Piazza Politeama, by taxi or by car. Those who like walking can climb via the old trail, which is steep.
Who was Santa Rosália?
A hermitess from the 12th century. Her relics were found in the grotto in 1624 during a plague, and since then she has been the patron saint of Palermo.
When do the festivals of Santa Rosália take place?
The Festino, with a procession through the center, is on July 14 and 15. The pilgrimage on foot to the sanctuary is on the night of September 3 to 4.