The patrons of Monterosso Almo are Saint John the Baptist, patron and protector of the town, whose nativity is celebrated on 24 June with solemn festivities on the first Sunday of September in the basilica dedicated to him, and Our Lady of Sorrows, Queen and Main Patroness, celebrated with solemn patronal festivities on the third Sunday of September in the diocesan sanctuary named for her, once the church of Saint Anthony the Abbot.
The earthquake of 11 January 1693, which devastated eastern Sicily, struck Monterosso hard too, causing around two hundred deaths: of the earlier town only a few ruins remained, such as the chapel of Saint Anthony and the Old Mill. From then on the town was rebuilt ever higher up the mountain, taking on its present layout.
