Definitely worth the walk up rather than getting the bus. We did it on a Friday afternoon - quiet with no other tourists and only passed a few Italian families. The walk is easy and if you are of reasonable fitness, will only take an hour. Amazing views and well rewarded at the top with the sanctuary.There is litter EVERYWHERE though. It's really quite disappointing. Why don't people clean up after themselves?
dedicated to the island's patron, santa rosalia, it is worth of trek for the religious. buses are irregular , though, so check in advance. maximum an hour or two
the bus ride from Palermo is amazing with great scenic views, beats driving. Go walking over the mountain.however the shrine is ruined by the plethora of junk tat sellers and the usual piles of rotting waste that plagues Palermo ,Mondello and from what I saw most of Sicily.
4 degrees cooler than the city, good views, but the sanctuary has its market stalls selling tat nearby, so rather detracted from the visit.
The highlight of this site is the sanctuary at the summit devoted to Santa Rosalia, Palermo's patron saint. Unusual in that is actually built directly into the cliffs of the mountain, the sanctuary and its history are extensively described. It is an impressive sight not just for its unusual construction but also for its meaning to the devoted. The views of Palermo from the summit and the road are superb and the mountain is definitely a place not to miss.
this was a great place for pictures and videos. Watching the sunrise is breathtaking. A must for anyone who wants to see the city from an amazing vantage point. If you're fit you can hike up the mouy.
Loved this short excursion and a beautiful story and grotto. Definitely makes you think how the world turns and the beauty of the simple plesures of life.
The road to Monte Pellegrino was bumpy and long but the view was breathtaking. One of the best views I've ever seen in my life. You can see the city of Palermo from one side and the Gulf of Palermo on the other side. The bus ride was pretty scary since we were 3 girls and had a hard time understanding how to get there but it was all worth it at the end...
When my mother was 8 she visited this place, to See St Rosalia, she told the saint to allow her to come to the united states with her father and sister and when she was 14 they went never to return. In 2012 I went to visit it, this brought tears to my eyes that my mother who is gone told me to go to see this place. My cousins who live here Domenico and his wife Cristina told me we take you up to see the saint. I felt like I lived there. When we had to go home I cried, as part of me felt that I was leaving my home. I do love Monreale too, but this saint for some reason gave my mother "HOPE" to go and make way for a new you.. she and her father and her sister left to Brooklyn ny and made a life for themselves... so if you are in Palermo this is a MUST to see... it sits on top of a hill inside is the church in a cave... and it has 680 steps, my mother says she went up the steps on her knees to ask the saint to help her get to America. and she did not disappoint her she got there in 1934.
This mountain provides some spectacular views of the city. The bus up to the mountain winds up offering good views, but if you walk up a bit further it is worth it