Mount Pellegrino - 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Mount Pellegrino is one of the granite-covered mountains that dominate the landscape in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily.

The hiking path to the top starts at Scala Vecchia. The path is paved with granite stones that line the sidewalks throughout Palermo. The road switches back and forth along the steep mountain, sometimes over raised sidewalks.

The trailhead to the mountain is marked with the unusual symbol of Sicily - an unusual design depicting a head surrounded by three legs. The hike is steep in some sections but the views along the way are just spectacular.

Earlier in the hike, sweeping panoramic views of Palermo city and its harbour are the treats. But as the trail continues further, the view is dominated by hills dotted with cacti and shaded wooded areas with wildflowers. Along the way, there are many wooded crosses draped in purple cloth and shrines of various sizes. The trailhead was originally constructed to lead the faithful to the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia. Now it is also used by hikers and day-trippers.

Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia at Mount Pellegrino

The Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia has a beautiful baroque exterior. But the interior is a bit different. The sanctuary sits inside the mountain in a cave. Intricate ornamental icons including a statue of Saint Rosalia bathed in blue light fills the cave. The statue is surrounded by offerings ranging from flowers and notes to helmets. There is even a magical water fountain that cures eye diseases albeit for a price for the water.

Once you are at the sanctuary, you are at the top of Mount Pellegrino. you can walk around to visit the many viewpoints and smaller attractions in the mount.

Mount Pellegrino is home to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia. A pilgrimage site was erected in honour of Saint Rosalia- the fourth female patron saint of Palermo.

Rosalia, a young woman was claimed to be from a noble family, of descent from King Charlemagne. She rejected her aristocratic roots to live as a hermit in one of the caves that riddle Mount Pellegrino.

When a plague struck Palermo in the 17th century, Rosalia was said to have reappeared to a sick woman and then to a hunter who she told where her remains could be found. The hunter found her bones and brought them to Palermo carrying them in a procession through the city. The plague came to an end following this and Rosalia was venerated as the patron saint of Palermo.

Legend has it that Saint Rosalia was the only one of the patron saints who answered the prayers of the citizens of Palermo in the time of their greatest need. The sanctuary was constructed inside the cave on top of Mount Pellegrino to give thanks to Rosalia.

Saint Rosalia is honoured each July with a huge celebration that includes fireworks and a procession where her relics and statue are carried in a chariot through the city.

On September 4, the day it's believed that Rosalia died, pilgrims walk barefoot up Monte Pellegrino to pay homage to Rosalia's cave. Some even drop to their knees to climb the 80 or so steps that lead up to the Baroque-style sanctuary that frames the cave.

The best time to visit is in the evening. The sunset from Mount Pellegrino is extremely beautiful and the view towards the lighted-up Palermo city is a treat.

1. If you are planning to go up by the top, be aware that the schedule of buses is rather sketchy. Sometimes you have to wait hours before one turns up. You can hike to the top with the same amount of waiting time.
2. Follow the trail with the official markings or ask the locals before taking an unmarked trail. Google maps can show a lot of narrow paths but they are very dangerous.

1. In his book Travels in Italy, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described Mount Pellegrino as the most beautiful promontory in the world.
2. The Castello Utveggio is a monumental palace built 1928–1933 at a promontory of Mount Pellegrino overlooking Palermo City.
3. The symbol of Sicily with which the hiking path is marked is a little strange - a head with three legs surrounding it. There doesn’t seem to be a clear explanation for this symbol. It’s been around for so long it’s embraced by the locals without question.
4. Saint Rosalia who was a hermit in one of the caves in Mount Pellegrino is now affectionately known as “La Santuzza” – the little saint.

From the starting point of the hike, it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. It's slightly steep. Once at the top, you can enjoy visiting the sanctuary and walking to the many viewpoints. All in all, half a day is enough time to visit all Mount Pellegrino has to offer.

From the Palermo city centre, it is an 8 KM hike to reach Mount Pellegrino by hiking. It will take about 2 hours in total. There is also a bus from the city to the top of the mount but the schedules are not the best.

There is no fee to enter Mount Pellegrino or the Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia.

Mount Pellegrino is open 24 hours a day, every day. Sanctuary of Saint Rosalia at the mount is open from 9 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Saturday) and 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM on Sundays.