Monte Pellegrino and Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia

DESCRIPTION
Monte Pellegrino: nature, history, and devotion above the rooftops of Palermo.

Geographic Location
Monte Pellegrino is a mountain relief located in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Its maximum height is 606 meters, and it is a limestone promontory that extends into the Tyrrhenian Sea, closing the northern end of the Gulf of Palermo.

The Hike
The ascent of Monte Pellegrino satisfies three needs that are often difficult to reconcile: physical exercise, historical curiosity, and spiritual contemplation.
From a physical standpoint, the itinerary is a 14.6 km loop with a total elevation gain of 716 meters. It presents no technical difficulties and is suitable for trained hikers; the only section requiring greater attention is the descent into the Valle del Porco, where a steady step on uneven terrain is necessary.
From a landscape perspective, the route crosses six panoramic points - Pantaleo, Addaura , Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino, anti-aircraft gun emplacements, Piano delle Mandorle, and Pizzo Volo d'Aquila - ultimately offering a 360-degree view of the gulf, the city, and the surrounding area.
From a historical perspective, at several points along the route, one encounters well-preserved anti-aircraft emplacements from World War II, of great documentary interest.
As for spiritual contemplation, the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia represents one of Palermo's most significant destinations: the city's patron saint, affectionately called La Santuzza by the people of Palermo, enjoys a deep-rooted devotion that spans centuries and involves every stratum of the population.

History and Curiosities
The spiritual heart of the mountain is the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia. Founded in 1625, it stands at an altitude of 429 meters and is accessible via a long staircase. The 17th-century facade is built against the cave where, on July 15, 1624, the relics of Palermo's patron saint were found. According to popular tradition, Rosalia - a woman of noble birth, born in 1130 and died young in 1166 - led a hermit's life there.
In 1625, during the procession with the saint's relics, the plague that was afflicting the city miraculously ceased, and from then on, Rosalia was proclaimed the protector of Palermo. Every year, from July 10th to 15th, the Festino is celebrated in memory of that liberation; on September 4th, the saint's liturgical day, the traditional acchianata takes place: a nocturnal procession on foot along the Scala Vecchia, which the people of Palermo undertake as a pilgrimage to the sanctuary. The cave is 25 meters deep and no more than 10 meters wide. In the rock niche behind the high altar is a marble sculpture depicting the Immaculate Conception, created by Giuseppe Albino in 1656; on the right wall, a bas-relief from 1636 by Nunzio La Mattina; on the other side, a marble bust depicting the saint. In the center of the cave, under a canopy, lies the famous marble statue of the Santuzza, sculpted by Gregorio Tedeschi in 1625 and later covered with a golden mantle donated by King Charles III of Bourbon. Metal channels run across the ceiling, collecting water that drips from the rock, considered holy by the faithful.

ITINERARY
From the parking lot on Viale Diana (76 m), head towards the Valle del Porco. After about 200 meters, turn left, ascending the western slope via the Sentiero della Rufuliata. Once at altitude, turn left towards the Pantaleo Panoramic Point (341 m). A short distance away is the second panoramic point overlooking Addaura (327 m). Then move on to the Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino (450 m), where you'll find a large statue of Santa Rosalia and a wide panorama of the Gulf of Palermo. Nearby are also the Anti-Aircraft Emplacements (439 m), dating back to World War II. Then take the path leading to Pizzo Volo d'Aquila: arriving below the antennas (543 m), take path no. 12. Before reaching Pizzo, you cross another panoramic point: Piano delle Mandorle (362 m). From Pizzo Volo d'Aquila (340 m), continue towards the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, following the last part of the religious route, the Scala Vecchia. Once at the Sanctuary (429 m), return to the starting point by descending through the Valle del Porco, following the trail marker no. 6.

EXCURSION DATE
March 8, 2025

STARTING POINT
Viale Diana within the Parco della Favorita in Palermo

REFRESHMENT POINT
At the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia

AUTHOR'S SUGGESTIONS
It is recommended to undertake the hike in spring or autumn, preferably in the early morning hours.

SAFETY TIPS
The practicability of the proposed itinerary, like all mountain terrain, is subject to environmental changes due to natural events and weather conditions. Therefore, before leaving, consult the relevant tourist offices and/or the reference mountain huts.
Our GPX tracks are for guidance only, meaning the route was completed under the best possible trail and weather conditions on that day. So always assess what to do on-site.
Also, remember to evaluate the route based on your physical abilities, training, and available equipment.
It is advisable to inform someone of the itinerary you intend to follow.
Remember that the emergency number is 112.

EQUIPMENT
It is recommended to have equipment suitable for the route, weather conditions, and season: windproof and/or rain jacket, map and/or GPS device, sunglasses, sunscreen, hiking boots, first aid kit, specific clothing, gloves, backpack with food and drinks.

RECOMMENDED MAPS
We did not find any paper maps; use the Outdoor.Active or Komoot app.

INTERESTING LINKS
https://santuariosantarosalia.it/

HOW TO ARRIVE
From Palermo, head to Viale Diana within the Parco della Favorita .

PARKING AREA
Viale Diana within the Parco della Favorita in Palermo
GPS Coordinates: 38.167555, 13.339156

Parcheggio nel Parco della Favorita

Si sale per il sentiero Rufuliata

Punto panoramico Pantaleo

Punto panoramico Addaura

Sullo sfondo il Monte Gallo

Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino

Vista dal Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino

Statua della Santa Rosalia

Postazioni Contraeree del Monte Pellegrino

Sentiero Pizzo Monaco

Vista verso nord

Vista dal punto panoramico Piano delle Mandorle

Vista veso Palermo dal Volo d'Aquila

Santuario di Santa Rosalia

Santuario di Santa Rosalia