Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Erice
POP 28,800 / ELEV 751M
One of Italy's most spectacular hill towns, Erice combines medieval charm with astound-
ing 360-degree views. Erice sits on the legendary Mt Eryx (750m); on a clear day, you can
see Cape Bon in Tunisia. Wander the medieval tangle of streets interspersed by churches,
forts and tiny cobbled piazzas. The town has a seductive history as a centre for the cult of
Venus. Settled by the mysterious Elymians, Erice was an obvious abode for the goddess of
love, and the town followed the peculiar ritual of sacred prostitution, with the prostitutes
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 wor-
ship 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 attrac-
tions: 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 Friday
group sculptures) and
San Giovanni
's marble sculptures. Buy your ticket at any of the
churches.
CHURCH
