Santa Rosalia – “Acchianata”(climb) to Monte Pellegrino

Monte Pellegrino is the most iconic mountain of the Sicilian capital. Near its summit, following the discovery of human remains, the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia was built. She is the undisputed Patron Saint Palermo city.

The mountain is located just a few kilometers from the historic center of Palermo and included in the Monte Pellegrino Oriented Nature Reserve, along with the Favorita Park. Its highest peak reaches 606 meters above sea level, and it is a limestone promontory extending into the Tyrrhenian Sea, marking the northernmost edge of the Gulf of Palermo. The northwestern slope borders the southeastern edge of Mondello Bay, while at its base lies the Montepellegrino district.

Studies suggest that humans inhabited this area since prehistoric times, and in the 18th century, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described it as “the most beautiful promontory in the world” in his essay Italian Journey.

This excursion combines the beauty of nature with the deep religious traditions of a people devoted to the one they consider the Savior of the City.