Tre Croci between History and Nature

Tre Croci: historic sites and easy trails

Colle Tre Croci is 523 metres high and was formerly known as Giubino. The name itself points to the eventful history of this place, while the paths along the slopes and over the small hills reveal another side of Tre Croci.

Church, sanctuary and religious tradition

On Colle Tre Croci, the original chapel was replaced by a small church in the 18th century. Its remains are still visible. The first documentary evidence of the existence of the Church of the Santuario di Maria SS. di Giubino dates back to 1495. The documented history of the sanctuary therefore reaches far back, giving the site a clear cultural connection.

The Santuario di Maria SS. di Giubino stands on the northern slope of Colle Tre Croci, on a plateau opposite the ruins of ancient Segesta. At the beginning of July, the image of Maria SS. di Giubino is carried in a procession every year; the following Sunday, the feast of Maria SS. di Giubino is celebrated. Those who appreciate religious traditions and historic landscapes will find a specific reason to experience Tre Croci with particular attention during this period.

On the morning of 16 May 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi used Tre Croci to survey the surrounding area and assess the route to Palermo. At the summit of Tre Croci, a large stone erected by local residents in 1909 commemorates the place from which Giuseppe Garibaldi observed the surroundings. Both references give the area a tangible historical dimension, without reducing the site to a single era.

Nature trail on Monte Tre Croci

The off-road route to the Angimbè biotope begins at the northern bypass of Calatafimi-Segesta and follows an unpaved track halfway up the slopes of Monte Tre Croci. The route offers wide views of Monte Bonifato di Alcamo, the valley descending towards Gibellina and Camporeale, and the cork oak forests of Angimbè. While walking, the focus is therefore not only on the route itself but also on a variety of landscapes.

The small pass between the two summits of Monte Tre Croci and Roccazzedda is accessible by car. The vehicle must then be parked, and the journey continued on foot. The nature trail can be completed entirely on foot or by bicycle. It runs over the two small hills north of Calatafimi-Segesta, is short, very easy to walk, and has no excessive inclines.

At kilometre 4.0, a path branches off to a forestry tower, which can be reached on foot or by bicycle.

Tre Croci as a travel destination

Tre Croci thus appeals to a variety of interests: to visitors interested in ecclesiastical history and historic memorial sites, as well as to travellers who prefer a short, easy nature trail. The combination of the Santuario di Maria SS. di Giubino, the traces of the former chapel, the Garibaldi memorial stone, and the paths on Monte Tre Croci makes this a destination that can be explored at a relaxed pace during an individual day of travel.

More destinations

Calatafimi, Campobello Di Mazara, Rilievo, Poggioreale, Buseto Superiore, Custonaci, Triscina, San Ciro - Ulmi - Filci

To the higher-level travel overview: Trapani.