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Mount Pellegrino: Palermo's Majestic Promontory

Discover breathtaking views and a sacred sanctuary atop Palermo's iconic Mount Pellegrino, a natural and historical treasure.

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Towering over Palermo, Mount Pellegrino is a 606-meter high promontory offering panoramic views of the city, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the surrounding landscape. A site of historical and religious significance, it's home to the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia, the city's patron saint, and offers hiking trails with rewarding vistas.

A brief summary to Mount Pellegrino

  • Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, IT

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking, as the trails can be steep and rocky.
  • Check the bus schedule in advance if you plan to take public transportation to the top.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to hike, as there are limited options for refreshments along the way.
  • Visit the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia to experience its unique cave setting and learn about the saint's history.
  • Consider visiting the Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino for sunset to enjoy stunning views of Palermo and the coast.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the traffic circle Largo Antonio Sellerio, follow Via Pietro Bonanno towards the mountain. The trailhead, marked with the symbol of Sicily (the Trinacria), is the Scala Vecchia (old stairway). The paved path zigzags up the mountain, offering scenic views. The hike to the top takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. There is no entrance fee.

  • Public Transport

    From Piazza do Sturzo in Palermo town center, take the local AST bus 806 or 812 to Santuario di Santa Rosalia. Check the bus schedule in advance. The bus journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. A single ticket costs around €2. From the bus stop 'Santuario', it is a short walk to the Sanctuary.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Palermo. A taxi ride from the city center to Mount Pellegrino takes approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost is between €26-€32. Ask the driver to take you to the Santuario di Santa Rosalia or Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino.

  • Driving

    Drive along Via Pietro Bonanno towards Mount Pellegrino. Follow the winding road up the mountain to either the Santuario di Santa Rosalia or the Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino. There is free parking available at both locations. Note that the access road to the top may be closed to traffic from 11 PM to 6 AM.

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Discover more about Mount Pellegrino

Mount Pellegrino, known locally as Monte Pellegrino, is an imposing limestone promontory that rises dramatically from the northern coast of Palermo, Sicily. Reaching a height of 606 meters (1,988 feet), it dominates the city skyline and offers breathtaking panoramic views. The mountain has been a landmark and a place of pilgrimage for centuries, blending natural beauty with rich cultural and religious history. Historically, Mount Pellegrino was considered sacred even in ancient times, with Phoenician settlers establishing a sanctuary for the goddess Tanit. In more recent history, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe famously described it as the most beautiful promontory in the world. Today, the mountain is a protected nature reserve, known as Riserva Naturale Orientata Monte Pellegrino, offering diverse flora and fauna, including peregrine falcons and various native plant species. The most famous attraction on Mount Pellegrino is the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia. Santa Rosalia, Palermo's patron saint, is said to have lived as a hermit in a cave on the mountain in the 12th century. The sanctuary, built into the cave where her remains were discovered, is a unique and moving place of worship. Pilgrims and tourists alike visit the sanctuary to pay homage to the saint and experience the serene atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, Mount Pellegrino offers several hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. The most popular route follows the old paved road, known as the 'Acchianata,' which zigzags up the mountain, providing stunning views of Palermo and the coastline. Along the way, hikers can see the Castello Utveggio, a neo-Gothic palace built in the early 20th century. At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the Belvedere di Monte Pellegrino, where a statue of Santa Rosalia overlooks the city.

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