Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto in Castellana Sicula

La Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto is an event held every year in Castellana Sicula, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo.

In month of July, Mount San Salvatore, on whose top stands the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Alto, becomes the center of the great religious holiday dedicated in summer to the Virgin, to whom in month of August follows the pilgrimage of the faithful.

During the Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto in Castellana Sicula the faithful reach the Sanctuary on foot, many of them take off their shoes and walk along the mountain paths that lead to the Church, others arrive by car, but all reach 1918 meters above sea level, to enter the Sanctuary; those arriving for the first time must respect tradition and, keeping their hands clasped behind their back, must collect a pebble in their mouth to take it to the Sanctuary on the last and steep stretch of the climb.

The Festival includes a Procession of the faithful following the fercolo with the statue of the Madonna around the Sanctuary and then one packed breakfast, followed by a outdoor barbecue, where all the faithful eat together.

The history of the Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto in Castellana Sicula

Castellana Sicula is a young municipality, established only in 1948. Despite this, religious traditions have always linked the local community and the pilgrimage to Monte San Salvatore is one of the traditions most loved by the local faithful.

The Sanctuary of the Madonna from Above dates back to the XNUMXth century and its construction is linked to the discovery of an ancient and precious statue of the Virgin, lost at sea and recovered near the Rock Tower: the statue, transported on a cart, was carried by oxen to the very place where the Sanctuary was built.

When the Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto takes place in Castellana Sicula

The Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto takes place in first Sunday of July in Castellana Sicula.

Where the Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto takes place in Castellana Sicula

Castellana Sicula is located in the Metropolitan City of Palermo: from the town, you have to go to the top of the Mount San Salvatore, where the Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Alto is located.

What to do during the Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto and around Castellana Sicula

During the Feast of the Madonna dell'Alto, you can take part in the pilgrimage, reaching the Sanctuary barefoot and following the seeds , collect a pebble to carry to the Church; alternatively, you can reach the Sanctuary by car and then continue the tour of the area, discovering all the beauties of the historic center and the surrounding areas.

Il Sanctuary is an example of Gothic architecture, but also Baroque, in the interior of the building, while externally it appears as a rural construction covered in stone. Solitary, it stands at a height of over 1900 meters. Descending towards the town, you arrive at Castellana Sicula, where you will find the Parish of San Francesco di Paola and Museum of Peasant Civilization, while in the various hamlets of the village there are the Church of St. Joseph located in the hamlet of Calcarelli and la Church of the Madonna della Catena in the Frazzucchi hamlet.
Finally, in the Muratori district, you can visit theArcheological area and the annex Museum, before making a stop at one of the restaurants in the centre, to discover all the flavors of the Palermo culinary tradition.

After tasting the typical dishes, such as the aubergine caponata or the carne murata, you can also explore the surroundings of Castellana, reaching for example the beautiful and nearby Petralia Sottana e Petralia Soprana, on the border with Madonie Park, another splendid destination to discover in the area. Moving away a few kilometers, you can arrive on the northern coast of the island, where you can stroll in the wonderful Cefalù, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.

How is it possible to get to Castellana Sicula

Castellana Sicula, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo, can be easily reached by car, via the A19 Palermo-Catania, where about 6 km from the village you will find the exit for Irosa; on the train, get off at Cefalù Station (28 km from Castellana Sicula) to take the bus or shuttle that will take you directly to the centre.