Erice, fascinating and solitary
Erice has dominated the extreme tip of western Sicily for millennia. The myth is at home here.
Virgil reminds us of this in the Aeneid, when he says that Aeneas, fleeing from Troy, stopped there twice, the Cyclopean walls built by the Punics to fortify the city remind us of this, the Norman Castle built on the remains of a ancient sacred area dedicated to the cult of fertility.
Every corner of the village takes us back in time, stuns us with its scents, envelops us with its light fog.
One of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, Erice maintains its enchanting atmosphere unchanged at any time of the day, at any time of the year. A special place where you can breathe harmony and pleasure in traditions.
The gray stone, in an endlessly repeating pattern, fills all its spaces like a carpet, guides us, in an up and down, to discover hidden corners, invites us to capture unexpected panoramic glimpses with our gaze, to peek between the railings to admire the intimate beauty of the courtyards, to enjoy the superb facades of ancient homes.
Almost one hundred, including churches and convents, which can still be admired today.
In the air, the scent of good things, a scent that makes you feel like a child again.
Carpets and ceramics in strong colors peep out from the artisans' workshops, while small treasure chests of royal pasta, decorated like lace, together with the famous Genoese and Martorana fruit, wink from the windows of the ancient pastry shops. Some have now entered history, such as the Maria Grammatico pastry shop and the San Carlo pastry shop.
From time to time the fog envelops the village with its embrace, but its inhabitants like to think that it is the embrace of the goddess Venus who for millennia attracted heroes and sailors to this corner of the Mediterranean.
In the air, the scent of good things, a scent that makes you feel like a child again.
Carpets and ceramics in strong colors peep out from the artisans' shops, while small treasure chests of royal pasta, decorated like lace, together with the famous Genoese and Martorana fruit, wink from the windows of the ancient pastry shops. Some have now entered history, such as the Maria Grammatico pastry shop and the San Carlo pastry shop.
From time to time the fog envelops the village with its embrace, but its inhabitants like to think that it is the embrace of the goddess Venus who for millennia attracted heroes and sailors to this corner of the Mediterranean.
Not far from Porta Spada is the Spanish Quarter, a military building from the 17th century, never completed. This building built on a large rocky esplanade overlooks one of the most beautiful panoramas in the area, the gulf of Monte Cofano.
Returning to the city, in the harmonious Piazza Umberto I, we find the Antonio Cordici Museum housed in the Town Hall. Here you can admire numerous archaeological finds and works of art of great interest, among which a small head of Venus from the 4th century BC stands out.
You cannot miss a relaxing walk in the Giardino del Balio where you can breathe an enchanting atmosphere of times gone by among the myrtle-lined avenues, romantic benches and panoramic views framed by the foliage of the trees.
From the Castle of Venus built by the Normans on the remains of an ancient temple, then move to the Torretta Pepoli, precious refuge of Count Agostino Pepoli, surprising for its position overlooking the sea.
I won't tell you about the goodies you can enjoy along the way...
I'm sure that even on your own you will find the way to taste Genoese, cannoli, almond desserts and ricotta cassate which represent the best of local pastries...!
What to see in Erice
Among the numerous churches, it is a must to visit the Royal Cathedral built in the 14th century in 14th century Gothic style on a pre-existing chapel dedicated to the Virgin of the Assumption.
Next to, but separate from the Cathedral, stands the Bell Tower originally with military lookout functions, built by King Frederick probably on the remains of a military tower from the Punic period. One hundred and ten steps to climb in one go to enjoy an extraordinary view.
The thousand-year-old Elymian-Punic Walls of the 7th century BC extend from the square in front of the Cathedral, called Cyclopean walls due to their extraordinary dimensions. By following the itinerary of the walls you can also admire part of the forest that surrounds the city.
If you love trekking and walking we suggest you visit the Cai Erice headquarters: Information point for the paths and reception. The panoramic view from its terrace is wonderful.
Prenota il tuo alloggio ad Erice
From the Castle of Venus built by the Normans on the remains of an ancient temple, move to the Torretta Pepoli, a precious refuge of Count Agostino Pepoli, surprising for its position overlooking the sea.
I won't tell you about the goodness you can enjoy along the way...
I'm sure that even on your own you will find the way to taste Genoese, cannoli, almond desserts and ricotta cassate which represent the best of local pastries...!
Erice is just forty kilometers from San Vito lo Capo
You can reach it independently by car
By cable car from Trapani (10 minutes)
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