Erice: things to do and what to see
In Sicily’s province of Trapani, Erice is a historic town and an Italian municipality. Its main settlement occupies the summit of Mount Erice, approximately 750 metres above sea level. From the town, the view takes in Trapani and the low western coastline towards Marsala.
Things to do in Erice
The electric bicycle tour from Trapani to Erice with seafront and medieval views lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes. It includes bicycle hire throughout the tour, a helmet, a kit for punctures, a battery charger, a padlock, lights and a water bottle.
The private tour of Segesta, Erice and the Trapani salt pans has a duration of 8 hours and 30 minutes. Included are private transport from and back to Palermo, a professional driver throughout the day, a private vehicle with air conditioning and an itinerary that can be adjusted to the participants’ pace.
The private day tour from Palermo to Segesta, Erice, the Lo Stagnone salt pans and Mothia lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes. It includes private transport from Palermo for the whole tour and a professional driver along the entire route, with no participants from a shared group.
What to see in Erice
Surviving stretches of Erice’s ancient defences include walls associated with the Elymians and Phoenicians. The Cyclopean walls belong to the Elymian, Phoenician and Punic period, around the 8th and 7th centuries BC. Porta Trapani and Porta Carmine appear among the gates in these walls.
Castello di Venere is a Norman fortress occupying the ancient Temple of Venus site. Dated to the 12th or 13th century, the castle was constructed over remains of the temple dedicated to Venus Ericina. The town’s cathedral is also known as the Chiesa Madre and has a bell tower.
Ancient names and the Temple of Venus
Ancient Greeks knew Erice by the name Eryx. Phoenicians established the settlement, which later adopted much Greek culture. During the First Punic War, Carthaginian forces destroyed Eryx, and its importance subsequently diminished. The Normans introduced the name Monte San Giuliano in 1167. That name remained in use until Erice was restored as the town’s name in 1934.
A foundation tradition attributes Erice’s beginnings to Trojan exiles who considered it a suitable place to settle. Venus Ericina was worshipped at the ancient Temple of Venus. Legend attributes the temple’s foundation to Aeneas. In antiquity, knowledge of this sanctuary extended across the Mediterranean.
Sweets and scientific meetings
Among Erice’s sweets is the genovese, made with shortcrust pastry and topped with icing sugar. In Italian, the name for Erice’s people is ericini. Scientific gatherings take place at the Ettore Majorana centre in Erice under the organisation of astrophysicist Antonino Zichichi.
The cable car and Casa Santa
Erice’s upper and lower areas are connected by cable car. Following operation from 2005, a forest fire caused its closure in 2017, before services resumed in June 2018. Casa Santa belongs to Erice and lies at the base of Mount Erice, immediately beside Trapani.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Erice?
Erice is in Sicily’s province of Trapani, with its main settlement on Mount Erice at approximately 750 metres above sea level.
What is Castello di Venere?
It is a Norman castle built over the ancient Temple of Venus site.
What was Erice called before 1934?
The town used the name Monte San Giuliano from 1167 until 1934.
What is a genovese?
It is one of Erice’s sweets, a shortcrust pastry topped with icing sugar.
Does Erice have a cable car?
A cable car connects the upper and lower areas of Erice.
