A town steeped in a mysterious charm rooted in myth and in the stories told by historians of the past. A charm that is renewed and enhanced by its breathtaking views, overlooking crystal-clear waters and stretching as far as the Tunisian coast, just 170 km away.
What to see in Erice
Why not spend a relaxing day discovering the beauty of this fascinating village in Sicily?
If you want to spend a day in Erice, we have prepared a list of the things to see and visit at your leisure:
- Church of the Virgin Mary of the Assumption
- Bell Tower of Frederick of Aragon
- Church of San Martino
- Church of San Giuliano
And now let’s set off together to discover the most distinctive places in Erice!
Church of the Virgin Mary of the Assumption
First of all, we recommend taking a walk through the town centre, surrounded by the stories and charm of the Norman-era walls.
The characteristic historic centre of Erice can be accessed through Porta Trapani. Walking along a small stone-paved street, you reach the beautiful Piazza Matrice, dominated by the charming Cathedral and the bell tower.
The Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary of the Assumption consists of three naves in the typical Gothic style of the 14th century. The façade is dominated by a lush rose window decorated with diamond-shaped bosses in the Catalan style. Inside, the Greek marble crosses and the marble icon depicting the Madonna enthroned in the centre, dating back to the first half of the 16th century, are particularly noteworthy.
Bell Tower of Frederick of Aragon
To the left of the Church stands an imposing bell tower. Commissioned by Frederick of Aragon in 1312, it was originally used as a defensive lookout tower, as evidenced by its battlements. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view that stretches towards part of the beautiful city of Trapani on the horizon.
Church of San Martino
To reach the charming Church of San Martino, you pass through the fascinating ruins of the 13th-century Monastery of the Most Holy Saviour. What immediately catches the eye about the ancient Church of San Martino is its unusual pink façade and imposing, richly decorated Baroque portal, which stands out against the otherwise austere façade. The Church, originally built in the Gothic style, underwent alterations and additions during the 18th century, including the bell tower visible outside and the fine stuccoes and frescoes that decorate the richly adorned interior.
Church of San Giuliano
The Church of San Giuliano is one of the most important places of worship in Erice, as evidenced by its location, built on the summit of the highest point in the area. From the small square in front of the church, you can enjoy a fascinating view over the entire historic centre. Do not be misled by the austere façade: inside, you can admire rich and finely crafted Baroque stuccoes and remarkable works of art in wax.
What to do in Erice - the Slow Active Tours proposal
Once you have discovered the hidden wonders among the narrow streets of Erice, it is time to immerse yourself in the sounds and aromas of this ancient village.
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Visit Venus Castle
The fascinating Venus Castle stands on the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess considered the protector of sailors. The structure we see today consists of the remains of a Norman fortress, now owned by the municipality, which during the 19th century reclaimed the area, restored the towers and created a garden, making the important archaeological remains housed inside accessible to visitors, such as the Well of Venus, the Roman baths and the Bridge of Daedalus.
From the Castle, you can enjoy an incredible panorama over Trapani, the salt pans and the entire beautiful Sicilian coastline. -
Torretta Pepoli and Balio Garden
Not far from the Norman Castle stands the beautiful Torretta Pepoli, an eclectic Art Nouveau building commissioned by Count Agostino Pepoli as a place for personal study and meditation. Today, the fascinating structure houses the Mediterranean Peace Observatory and is surrounded by the lush Balio Garden. Inside the garden, you can find several panoramic viewpoints offering wonderful views over the Sicilian coast.
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Magna Via Francigena: walking from Palermo to Agrigento
Slow Active Tours offers an exciting and intriguing walking journey to discover the hidden beauty of Sicily from north to south, from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
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Magna Via Francigena
from Palermo to Agrigento
Magna Via Francigena
complete tour
Festivals and Popular Events in Erice
The ancient medieval village of Erice has preserved all the charm of its past. This tradition reaches its peak with the Festa FedEriciana. Every year, from 15 to 17 September, the ancient town relives the historic arrival of Frederick of Aragon and his wife Eleanor in Erice. On this occasion, the historic centre comes alive with the splendour of the period through tastings of traditional products, street performances, dancers and parades featuring fascinating period costumes.
The summer event in Erice is the Sagra del Panino ca sasizza arrostita, held in the small hamlet of Ballata. During the evening, visitors can taste delicious sandwiches filled with locally produced sausage.
The Holy Easter celebrations involve the entire local community through the eagerly awaited Processione dei Misteri, which takes place along the evocative and fascinating streets of the village's historic centre.
Typical Dishes of Erice
The typical dishes of Erice are strongly influenced by the ancient peoples who ruled this area for centuries. It is therefore no coincidence that seafood couscous is one of the local specialities. This Arab dish has become widespread in Sicily and particularly in the Trapani area, and it is a real delight for the taste buds. The fish broth gives the semolina a rich flavour.
For those with a sweet tooth, the sweeter and more indulgent flavours are a must: genovesi are just the thing! This delicacy consists of shortcrust pastry filled with custard. The unusual name comes from the distinctive Genoese hat shape of these delicious Sicilian pastries.
Eating and Drinking in Erice
Here are some local suggestions:
Osteria di Venere in Via Roma, 6. A restaurant with a traditional atmosphere, ideal for tasting excellent seafood dishes typical of Erice.
La Pentolaccia in Via Gian Filippo Guarnotti, 17. A historic restaurant housed in a 17th-century monastery, offering regional first courses, fish and desserts.
Ristorante Monte San Giuliano in Vico S. Rocco. The restaurant is located in a beautiful setting, away from Erice's tourist streets, offering a little peace and tranquillity during your meal.
So, what are you waiting for? Backpack on and off we go!
