Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
themselves accommodated in the Temple of Venus. Despite countless invasions, the
temple remained intact - no guesses why.
Erice's tourist infrastructure is excellent. Posted throughout town, you'll find bilingual
(Italian-English) informational displays along with town maps displaying suggested walk-
ing routes.
Sights
The best views can be had from
Giardino del Balio
, which overlooks the turrets and
wooded hillsides south to Trapani's saltpans, the Egadi Islands and the sea. Looking north,
there are equally staggering views of San Vito Lo Capo's rugged headlands.
Castello di Venere
(
www.comune.erice.tp.it/minisitocastello
;
Via Castello di Venere; adult €3, 8-14yr or over 65yr €1.50, child
under 8yr free; 10am-6pm daily Apr-Oct, 10am-4pm Sat & holidays Nov-Mar)
Erice's Norman
castle was built in the 12th and 13th centuries over the Temple of Venus, which had long
been a site of worship for the ancient Elymians. The views from up top, extending to San
Vito Lo Capo on one side and the Saline di Trapani on the other, are spectacular.
CASTLE
Erice Monuments Circuit
(admission €5; 10am-6pm Apr-Jun & Oct, 10am-8pm Jul & Aug, 10am-7pm Sep, 10am-12.30pm Nov-
Feb, 10am-4pm Mar)
A single ticket grants admission to Erice's five major ecclesiastical at-
tractions: the 14th-century cathedral's
treasury
and 28m-high
campanile
(climb to the top
for great views),
San Martino
's wood sculptures,
San Giuliano
's Gruppa Misteri (Good Fri-
day group sculptures) and
San Giovanni
's marble sculptures. Buy your ticket at any of the
churches.
CHURCH
Sleeping & Eating
Hotels, many with their own restaurants, are scattered along Via Vittorio Emanuele,
Erice's main street. After the tourists have left, the town assumes a beguiling medieval air.
Erice has a tradition of
dolci ericini
(Erice sweets) made by the local nuns. There are
numerous pastry shops in town, the most famous being
Maria Grammatico
( 092 386 93
90;
www.mariagrammatico.it
; Via Vittorio Emanuele 14; 9am-10pm May, Jun & Sep, to 1am Jul &
Aug, to 7pm Oct-Apr)
, revered for its
frutta martorana
(marzipan fruit) and almond pastries.
