Sanctuary of Saint Anne

About

The Santuario di Sant’Anna (Sanctuary of Saint Anne) is a sanctuary on the slopes of Monte Erice above Trapani, Sicily. Originating as a small seventeenth-century church, it later developed into a pilgrimage destination associated with devotional routes ascending toward the hilltop town of Erice. Situated near the lower station of the Trapani–Erice Cable Car, the sanctuary lies below the Church of the Capuchins, the Bosco Sacro di Erice, and the summit traditionally associated with the Temple of Venus Erycina.

According to local historical accounts, the sanctuary originated as a small church dedicated to Saint Anne in the early seventeenth century. Around 1665 the complex was enlarged in connection with a proposed community of Discalced Augustinians, although the religious community was never permanently established there.

Devotion to Saint Anne became established in the areas around Trapani, Erice, Valderice and Paceco through the sanctuary and associated pilgrimage traditions.

Nineteenth-century historian Giuseppe Vito Castronovo described the sanctuary as one of the notable religious monuments on Monte Erice and recorded the canon Gioacchino Gervasi as one of its benefactors, reflecting its continued patronage during the modern period.

Local historical accounts describe periods of decline and near-abandonment at the sanctuary during the twentieth century before restoration work began in 1976 under Don Franco Giuffrè with the assistance of local volunteers.

From 1992 to 2011 the sanctuary hosted a contemplative community of the Daughters of Saint Anne Perpetual Adorers.

The sanctuary continues to host religious services, retreats and pilgrimage activities, and is associated with the modern Sentiero di Sant'Anna walking route on Monte Erice.

Local historical accounts describe periods of decline and near-abandonment at the sanctuary during the twentieth century before restoration work began in 1976 under Don Franco Giuffrè with the assistance of local volunteers.

From 1992 to 2011 the sanctuary hosted a contemplative community of the Daughters of Saint Anne Perpetual Adorers.

The sanctuary continues to host religious services, retreats and pilgrimage activities, and is associated with the modern Sentiero di Sant'Anna walking route on Monte Erice.