If you are visiting Sicily and the area of Trapani, you cannot miss going to the medieval village of Erice! This quaint town is perched on a mountain 750 meters high and dominates a truly breathtaking panorama. Together, the Gulf of Trapani, the famous salt pans, Egadi islands and the typical Valderice countryside create a wonderful landscape that leaves every visitor speechless.
There are many things that deserve to be seen in the center of Erice... are you sure you know them all? Discover the best attractions and places to visit during a wonderful tour and start organizing your trip!
The history of the village sinks into an ancient and controversial legend. In fact, it sometimes associates the founding of the city with Enea, then with Eraclea or Erice, and scholars are still trying to reconstruct its past. However, what is certain is that Erice was known because of a famous temple where the Phoenicians worshiped Astarte, the equivalent of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess named Venus.
The best way to visit Erice is certainly walking through its narrow, paved streets. Passing among the small houses, the courtyards and the balconies of the historic center you will dip into a unique atmosphere that will stun you with its fantastic colors and scents!
The imposing City Walls that surround the old town date back to the 8th-6th century BC and are made with large limestone blocks. The best preserved section is the one located between Porta Carmine and Porta Spada. However, to enter the town we recommend crossing Porta Trapani: this door puts you in front of the marvellous Duomo and the effect is simply amazing! The city's cathedral is a fortress-church dating back to the 14th century with a tall bell tower. Although the beauty of this building is unique, the most famous palace in Erice is Castello di Venere, a fortress of Norman origin built on the remains of the temple dedicated to the goddess Venus. It is from this high cliff that you can admire a breathtaking view over the entire gulf, especially at sunset! Moreover, if you are lucky and the air is quite clear, you will even be able to see Pantelleria Island and the distant coasts of Tunisia. Not far from the castle, you will also find Villa Comunale Balio, a famous villa with splendid gardens, and other Norman watch towers that were restored by Count Pepoli. Among these, there is the wonderful Torretta Pepoli, a corner of study and meditation immersed in vegetation.
On another spur of rock located between the churches of Sant'Orsola and Sant'Antonio, you will find instead the unique Spanish Quarter, an imposing 18th century building that housed a garrison of Spanish soldiers but which has never been completed. It also offers an incredible view!
After walking around the center and climbing Mount Erice, you cannot miss a sample of some local delicacies! Don't miss to try the well-known Erices' patisserie, which offers sweets in almond paste and exquisite artisanal "cassate". Of course, a sweet shop you should visit is that of "Maria Grammatico", a city's symbol that offers all kinds of desserts! On the other hand, if you love shopping we advise you to go into some pottery or carpet shops. In Erice, carpets are called "trappite" and they are made by weaving the threads with recycled fabrics.
Do you still need to book your stay in Erice? Have a look at Villa Erice, Villa Bellini or Villa Salinella and start planning your amazing trip!
© Alice Pilastri
