Tre Croci: Sanctuary, Garibaldi Memorial and Nature Trails

Tre Croci can be explored through three themes: the 523-metre-high Colle Tre Croci, the history of the Santuario di Maria SS. di Giubino and the trail to the Angimbè biotope. The town’s history links an early ecclesiastical reference with a Garibaldi memorial, while the nature trail offers a different perspective on the surrounding area. When planning your trip, you can decide whether the historic site, the festival or the scenic route should be your main focus.

Colle Tre Croci and Giubino

Colle Tre Croci is 523 metres high and was formerly called Giubino. Giubino also appears in the name of the Santuario di Maria SS. di Giubino. The two historical details refer to the hill’s former name and the sanctuary’s name.

Church history and festival at the sanctuary

The first documentary evidence for the existence of the church of the Santuario di Maria SS. di Giubino dates from 1495. In addition, the original chapel on the hill was replaced by a small church in the 18th century; its remains are still visible. The year 1495 and the visible remains represent different historical points of reference: an early documentary mention on the one hand, and a later structural change on the other.

The sanctuary stands on the northern slope of Colle Tre Croci, on a plateau opposite the ruins of ancient Segesta. Each year, at the beginning of July, the festival includes a procession carrying the image of Maria SS. di Giubino. The festival is celebrated on the following Sunday. If you would like to include this date in your plans, check the specific festival dates before travelling.

Garibaldi’s observation and the memorial stone

On the morning of 16 May 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi used Tre Croci to survey the surrounding area and assess the route to Palermo. A large stone on the summit marks the place where he made his observation. Local residents erected it in 1909. The two dates therefore refer to different events: 1860 to Garibaldi’s observation, and 1909 to the erection of the memorial stone.

Trail to the Angimbè biotope

The trail to the Angimbè biotope begins on the northern ring road of Calatafimi-Segesta. From there, it follows an unpaved track halfway up the slopes of Monte Tre Croci. At kilometre 4.0, a path branches off to a forestry tower, which can be reached on foot or by bicycle. These route details give you a specific starting point and a named turn-off to help you find your way.

The route offers wide views of Monte Bonifato di Alcamo, the valley descending towards Gibellina and Camporeale, and the cork oak stands of Angimbè. While the sanctuary and memorial stone are the focus of the historical sites, here the landscape takes centre stage. Check the current trail conditions locally before setting out.

Access to the pass and travel planning

A route description from 2018 mentions access by car to the small pass between the two summits of Monte Tre Croci and Roccazzedda. At the pass, leave the vehicle and continue on foot. Check the current access conditions locally before setting out.

If you are looking for a hotel in Tre Croci, the purpose of your trip can help you choose when to visit. A stay centred on the sanctuary can be combined with the festival held each year at the beginning of July; the route to the Angimbè biotope offers a different, landscape-focused option. You can weigh up whether the festival date or the nature trail should determine your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Gibellina, Dattilo, Salemi, Paceco, Tre Fontane, Favignana, Scauri, Xitta.

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