Really interesting experience to see the locals favorite Saint. Trip is easier than I thought. Take the pilgrim bus #812, 30 minutes up to the top, pilgrims say their prayers and 20 minutes later the same bus takes you back. The same driver seems to just do this one route all day, seeinghow skilled he is. The bus is quite on time, leaves from piazza Sturzo, every 1.5 hrs, schedule on the Amat website.

Incredible ride up Mount Pelligrino on the 812 bus next to the Politeama Theatre. Be careful on the way back; they take a different route. Go to the shrine in the late afternoon. There is no one there.

Situated on Monte Pellegrino high above the city, this Sanctuary is where the bones of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of the city, were discovered 400 years ago. There are pathways up the hillside that pilgrims use but it would be a long hot walk - about 2 hours. We were going to take the bus but were advised at our hotel that they were not very reliable so take a taxi but that cost us 60 euros so I definitely recommend you take the bus - they were turning up every 15 minutes or so and we caught it back down for about 5 euros! It was really interesting to visit so would recommend a trip up there. the cave itself is cold and drips with water so take something to cover up as it's cold in there even though it was over 30 degrees outside. Some cafes, stalls and toilets available on the road outside.