City between sky and sea
Jutting out into the southern Tyrrhenian Sea with its three splendid "peaks" (Ligny tower, Casina Nasi, Colombaia) overlooking the sunset, Trapani ideally divides the Mediterranean in two: to the north you look at the European continent, to the south at the African one. Trapani, a border city between two worlds which find an extraordinary synthesis here: Christianity and Islam, emigration and hospitality, salt and spices, sand and corals.
An urban fabric, at times with an Arab atmosphere, leaves room for Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. A true riot of churches, palaces and ancient bastions tell of its splendid past and give us memorable glimpses.
Trapani is a city to visit all year round, but it is in the summer that it becomes irresistible. Its wonderful urban beaches, a few steps from the streets of the historic centre, are a real attraction on hot days. The idea of a relaxing break immersed in a setting of incredible colors is excellent.
And your break will be even more pleasant in the company of a fresh granita or a delicious cannoli.
Trapani is also an obligatory stop for those who want to reach the Egadi islands ; From its port, every day, numerous hydrofoils and ferries leave for Favignana, Marettimo and Levanzo .
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 a Trapani
Not far from the Church of Purgatory you overlook the main street where the Cathedral of San Lorenzo is located, dating back to 1300.
Renovated for the first time in 1639, the building took on its current appearance in 1748, thanks to the restoration by the architect Giovanni Biagio Amico with bell tower and arched portal.
Inside there are three naves and various works of refined workmanship. An interesting Dead Christ attributed to the Flemish painter Van Dyck .
Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the city's living room, a meeting and shopping place. The marvelous complex of the Church of the Jesuit College, built in 1596, overlooks it. The classical façade is splendid, enriched with baroque elements, while inside the three naves are a riot of stucco work by Sanseverino, a pupil of Serpotta.
A few more steps and you find yourself in the delightful Piazzetta Saturno, with the fountain built in 1342 to commemorate the construction of the city's first aqueduct and San'Agostino , the former Chapel of the Knights Templar from 1100.
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Trapani, port for the Egadi Islands
Useful information for embarking towards Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo