Erice: The Sicilian Village That Speaks with Beauty

We dive into a world of sea, art, and historical and architectural beauty. We hear the voices of alleys and narrow streets that carry on a legacy, we breathe in the colors and scents of the crystal-clear sea: this is Erice, an ancient medieval village visited year-round by thousands of tourists, enchanted by its iconic and evocative scenery.

Let’s discover it together!

Erice: In Dialogue with the Middle Ages

Located at 751 meters above sea level, Erice is first and foremost an extraordinary historical testimony. Numerous medieval monuments and architectural structures tell a long story whose strength lies in its longevity.

Exploring the town of Erice means entering a maze of narrow stone streets and alleys that remain faithful to ancient medieval construction. The buildings themselves form an open-air nativity-like mosaic, capable of enchanting and captivating visitors. Despite the constraints of a mountain town, Erice is home to over 24,000 residents, making it a vibrant and dynamic village.

There are many noteworthy monuments. First among them is the Cathedral of Erice, also known as the Chiesa Matrice. Located in the central Piazza Matrice, the sacred building was erected on the site of a former pagan temple dedicated to Venus Erycina. King Frederick III of Aragon, who settled in the Trapani area during the struggle for control of Sicily, initiated the construction of the cathedral. It was completed in 1769 under the Bourbons, who added the distinctive external staircase.

The cathedral’s façade is in typical Catalan style, adorned with a splendid central rose window and a dome that crowns the entire structure.

Inside, visitors will find three naves separated by two rows of tuff stone pillars. The side chapels house valuable works by artists such as Gangini, Laurana, Mancini, and Bartolomeo Berrettaro.

Also worth visiting is the Cathedral Treasury, which preserves one of the most precious silver collections in all of Sicily.

The Castle of Venus is another must-see. This ancient Norman fortress, dating back to the 12th century, dominates the eastern side of Mount Erice and offers breathtaking views.

Built from local stone, the structure rises majestically on a promontory overlooking the city of Trapani, the salt pans, and the Egadi Islands. The castle features crenellated towers, inner courtyards, and thick walls—evidence of its defensive role over the centuries.

Inside, the Castle of Venus preserves traces of its long history. Highlights include the Balio Towers and archaeological excavations that have uncovered Roman ruins. The castle is also steeped in legend, passed down through generations and tied to the famous Good Friday of the Mysteries.

Erice: The Beauty of Crystal-Clear Seas

Erice is not only a jewel of the Trapani highlands—it’s also connected to the stunning Sicilian coast, particularly in the Costa Val di Erice area.

With clear, crystalline waters, sun-kissed golden sand, coral and shell fragments, and a dense breeze that harmonizes the waves, a visit to San Giuliano Beach is a must.

This long coastal stretch connects Trapani to Erice and opens onto a sea that shifts from reddish hues to turquoise, also bathing the Egadi Islands. From early morning, this paradise welcomes couples, families, and tourists of all ages, cradled by the grace of such a generous and splendid sea.

While San Giuliano Beach offers equipped lidos and bars, nearby Santa Margherita Bay in Màcari is ruled by unspoiled nature. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a day of pure relaxation surrounded only by the power and beauty of the sea.

There are no refreshment points or organized lidos here—just crystal-clear waters, transparent seabeds, majestic rocks, and a colorful landscape that creates the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating experience. Visitors lounge on the beach or rocks, enjoying a paradisiacal peace, far from crowded resorts and immersed in the sound and scent of the sea.

Erice: The Good Friday of the Mysteries

Erice is also a land rich in mystery, deeply committed to preserving its ancient traditions. This is the setting for the famous Good Friday of the Mysteries.

The Procession of the Mysteries, held in Erice on the Friday before Easter, is smaller and less well-known than the one in nearby Trapani held at the same time. Yet it is equally fascinating and meaningful, immersed in the silence and interplay of light and shadow throughout the village, offering a profound sense of reflection.

There are seven groups in total, each representing a moment from Christ’s Passion: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, The Flagellation, The Crowning with Thorns, The Ascent to Calvary, The Crucifixion, The Urn, and finally Our Lady of Sorrows, a stunning image of the Virgin wrapped in a black mantle.

The groups are accompanied by praying faithful, with prayers recited in Italian, English, Spanish, and German—creating an atmosphere rich in spirituality and tradition. The procession, accompanied by a single band, is led by figures dressed in white tunics embroidered in red, the colors of the Purgatory confraternity.

The statues are smaller than those in Trapani but perfectly suited to the narrow streets of Erice. There is no typical “annacata” (swaying motion) to the music, due to the steep inclines of Erice’s streets, which make carrying the statues more strenuous.

The seven groups are carried on the shoulders through the cobbled alleys, resting on wooden supports during pauses to ease the burden on the bearers.

After this blend of natural beauty, artistic grandeur, and powerful traditions, we can truly say: ERICE IS WAITING FOR US!