Erice

The existence of the Church of St. John is traced back by local historians to the 14th century (1339), but probably the first building dates back to the 12th century; it underwent some restorations in the 15th century, between 1430 and 1436, renovated and expanded in the 17th century (1631) and decorated with stuccoes on […]

It is undoubtedly the most original church in Erice thanks to the presence of Gothic and Renaissance elements inside of it. Its original core dates back to 1413, by the priest Michele Lombardo; in 1450 it was expanded with a second aisle, dedicated to Santa Maria di Gesù (St. Mary of Jesus). In 1451 was […]

According to the legend, Church of St. Julian was built by Ruggero (Roger) of Altavilla in 1076, to thank the Hospitaller Saint who had helped his son Giordano (Jordan) to oust the Arabs from the city, appearing on a white horse and with a pack of dogs. Probably with Gothic shapes, it was renovated between […]

The original church of St. Martin, of small size, was probably founded by count Ruggero (Roger) the Norman and renovated during the Gothic period; rebuilt and enlarged in 1682, it was further refurbished in the 18th century and decorated with stuccoes and frescoes by the Manno brothers. The church, for its historical, artistic and religious […]

The Main Church (Duomo) was built, in the early 13th century (approximately 1314) on a pre-existing chapel dedicated to Vergine Assunta (Our Lady of the Assumption), by Frederic III of Aragon who resided in Erice for a short period, during the Vespers War. After several restorations, additions and modifications over the centuries, it was radically […]

The northern coastline, which stretches for over 4 kilometers from Trapani to Erice in an area called “San Giuliano (St. Julian)”, is characterized by a sequence of long sandy beaches alternated with short rocky stretches, crowded in summer with tourists and provided with beach resorts.

The tuna trap of “San Giuliano Palazzo”, closed in 1961, was probably the first tuna trap in Western Sicily. Today crumbling, it saw its first nucleus in the construction of a watchtower and a huge quadrangular wall to defend itself against the frequent pirates attacks. Here is situated a small beach which, especially in August, […]

On the mountain of Erice there are equipped areas with panoramic views: Martogna, approximately 2 Kilometers from Trapani, surrounded by Mediterranean pine, eucalyptus and oak trees, is equipped with wooden benches and tables, a playground, fountains, toilet service, a faunal area and an artificial pond with different animal species (including birds). The landscape of San […]

The architectural structure visible today dates back to the 12th century; it was built using materials of an existing Roman sacred place, dedicated to Venus, and adapting it to the shape of the crag. Inside of it resided the representatives of the royal authority: the “bajolo” (a civil judge and tax collector), the captain of […]

The ancient walls, made of limestone, were originally built on the north-eastern side in the 8th century b. C. by the Elymians, a population of uncertain origin; later, in the 6th century b.C., they were reinforced by the Carthaginians and, after reconstructions in the Roman age, completed by the Normans. The remains stretch along a […]