Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Monte

The Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Monte was founded in the 15th century where a small church was erected on the top of a hill called "lu Munti", on the western outskirts of the town of Racalmuto.

A source of water flowed near this church. Tradition attributes the dedication to St. Lucia but there is no valid documentation.

In 1543 the Church bears the name of Santa Maria di lu Munti. The current church was built with the title of "Maria SS. Del Monte" between 1736-1747 by the priest Pietro Signorino.

Therefore the old church was demolished except for the bell tower which will remain in place until the early 19th century when a new one suitable for the structure and proportions of the church is built.

On 12 June 1938 the coronation of the Madonna del Monte was celebrated as Queen of the town of Racalmuto.

The bishop of Agrigento Mons. Giovanni Peruzzo placed the gold crowns, obtained from the fusion of the ex voto, on the head of the Child and the Virgin Mary.

On 24 May 1940 the Church was awarded the title of Great Sanctuary. In 1988, after fifty years, the Madonna was crowned again.

Map: Sanctuary of Maria Santissima del Monte