Nestled in a grove of oak trees almost a thousand metres above sea level, the Eremo (Hermitage) of Santa Rosalia presents an architectural style that recalls the nature in which it is immersed. In addition to the grotto, the structure also includes a church, crypt and conventual rooms such as the cells, kitchen and refectory.

The cave is camouflaged in the vegetation and is the place where Rosalia escaped from the worldly life in search of solitude, peace and God when she was very young, and stayed here for about twelve years.

The construction of the Hermitage was financed by the Genoese merchant Francesco Scassi, who, after learning the story of Santa Rosalia, decided to live here with three other men, founding an independent congregation of friars devoted to the saint after whom it is named.

Inside, the church is decorated with beautiful frescoes by the Manno brothers, and on the high altar is the famous Statue of Santa Rosalia by Palermo sculptor Filippo Pennino.