Vacation Packages to Erice

General Information about Erice

Erice is a small medieval village on top of a mountain in Sicily is one of Italy's best kept secrets. If you are looking for a charming destination with a unique atmosphere, you should definitely consider traveling to Erice.

Erice is known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets and stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The town also boasts a wide range of stores, restaurants and bars offering typical Sicilian food and drink.

Among the must-see attractions in Erice are the Venetian castle, the church of San Martino and the Balio Garden. But one of the highlights of Erice is simply walking through its streets and immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere.

Also, if you are a lover of history, mythology and culture, Erice is the perfect place for you. The town was founded in the 8th century BC, and is said to have been the home of the Greek goddess Aphrodite. Legend has it that the inhabitants of Erice enjoyed the divine protection of the goddess for many years.

In short, if you are looking for a dream destination in Italy, do not hesitate to travel to Erice. I guarantee you will be amazed by its beauty and rich history, and you won't regret visiting this little treasure hidden at the top of the mountain!

What to See in Erice

Erice has several places of interest which you can not miss on your vacation in Sicily. Here you will find the main tourist attractions.

Venus Castle

The Castle of Venus is an impressive medieval fortress located high above the town of Erice, on top of a mountain on the northwest coast of Sicily, Italy. This castle is one of the most emblematic monuments of the town, and is named after the Roman goddess Venus, who according to legend inhabited the area in ancient times.

The history of Venus Castle dates back to the 12th century, when it was built by the Normans. Subsequently, the castle was enlarged and modified by the Spaniards and the Venetians. 

For many centuries, the fortress was a key piece in the defense of the town of Erice, and its strategic location on top of the mountain made it a difficult place to conquer.

The Castle of Venus has an impressive tower over 20 meters high, from which you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Inside is a museum that houses a large collection of ancient weapons and historical artifacts.

In addition to its historical and cultural value, the Castle of Venus is a popular tourist attraction in Erice. Thousands of visitors flock to this impressive fortress every year to admire its medieval architecture and immerse themselves in the town's history.

Church of San Martino

The Church of San Martino is an important place of worship and one of the most prominent monuments in the town of Erice, in Sicily, Italy. The church, whose construction began in the 14th century, is located on a hill in the center of the town and its imposing baroque facade is one of the symbols of Erice.

The church is dedicated to San Martino, the town's patron saint. Inside, visitors can admire an impressive polychrome wooden statue of San Martino, carved in the 18th century by the famous Sicilian sculptor Giuseppe Napoli.

The construction of the Church of San Martino took place over several centuries, with different architects and artists involved in its design and decoration. 

The Baroque façade, which is one of the most prominent elements of the church, was built in the 17th century and features a wealth of decorative details, such as columns, moldings and sculptures.

The church also features an impressive dome decorated with frescoes and oil paintings, which were made by local artists and depict religious and allegorical scenes.

The Church of San Martino is one of the most visited places in Erice, both for its religious value and for its architectural and historical beauty. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this church to admire its art and architecture and to immerse themselves in the history of the town.

Balio Garden

The Balio Garden is a beautiful park located in the heart of the town of Erice, in Sicily, Italy. This garden, which is located in an elevated area of the town, offers breathtaking views of the valley and the Mediterranean Sea.

The history of the Balio Garden dates back to the 12th century, when the town of Erice was ruled by a Norman prince named Roger II. At that time, a watchtower was built on top of the hill, which was used to protect the town from invaders.

Over time, the tower became a residence for the rulers of the city and a beautiful garden was built in the surrounding area. The garden was expanded and improved over the centuries, and today it is a beautiful park with a wide variety of plants and flowers.

The park also has several paths and trails, which lead visitors through the vegetation and allow them to enjoy the beauty of the garden. In addition, in the center of the garden is a fountain with a sculpture of an angel, which is one of the highlights of the park.

The Trapani Gate

The Trapani Gate is one of the most outstanding monuments of the medieval town of Erice, in Sicily, Italy. This impressive gate is located at the main entrance to the town, and has been an important landmark for centuries.

The history of the Trapani Gate dates back to the 14th century, when the town of Erice was surrounded by a fortified wall to protect it from invaders. The gate was built at the place where visitors and merchants entered the city, and became a symbol of welcome and protection.

The Trapani Gate is an impressive stone structure, which features Gothic architecture and Renaissance elements. At the top of the gate, there is a clock that still functions today. There are also several sculptures on top of the gate, including one of the Virgin Mary, which is an important symbol for the city's inhabitants.

The gate was renovated and restored several times over the centuries, and is currently in excellent condition. At the entrance to the gate, there is a memorial plaque commemorating the soldiers who died in the First World War.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is an iconic monument of the medieval town of Erice, located on a hilltop in Sicily, Italy. This impressive tower is located in the heart of the town's historic center and has been an important landmark for centuries.

The history of the Clock Tower dates back to the 14th century, when the town of Erice was surrounded by a fortified wall to protect it from invaders. The tower was built in the center of town as a way to keep time and to help people orient themselves.

The Clock Tower is an impressive three-story stone structure with typical Renaissance architecture. At the top of the tower, there is a clock that still works today. In addition, the tower has a bell tower, which emits an impressive sound every hour, reminding people of the passing of time.

Traditional Erice Food

Erice's traditional food is a unique blend of Sicilian and Arabic influences that reflects the town's rich history and culture. Some of the most popular and delicious dishes of the region are:

Couscous: couscous is a Berber dish that was introduced to Sicily by the Arabs. In Erice, this dish is prepared with wheat semolina and served with a mixture of vegetables and seafood.

Busiati: it is a typical pasta from Trapani, the closest town to Erice. Busiati are made by hand by rolling a thin strip of dough around a wooden stick. They are usually served with a fresh tomato sauce, basil and ricotta cheese.

Fritella: it is a traditional appetizer from Erice. It is a crispy fried dough made with chickpea flour and mixed with onion, parsley and other spices. It is usually served with a spicy tomato sauce.

Panelle: is another popular appetizer made with chickpea flour. It is prepared by frying the dough in oil until golden brown and served hot with a pinch of salt and lemon.

Cassata: is a typical Sicilian dessert made with sponge cake, ricotta cheese and powdered sugar. In Erice, cassata is decorated with candied fruit and served with a cup of espresso.

In addition to these dishes, Erice is also known for its high quality wines and olives. Tourists can enjoy local food and drink in the town's many restaurants and bars, and experience the delicious Sicilian gastronomy.

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Cultural Aspects about Erice

Erice is a town rich in culture and tradition, dating back to ancient times and shaped by many influences over the years. Below are some cultural aspects of the town:

Historical influences: Erice has a rich history dating back to Phoenician, Greek and Roman times. The town has been shaped by many influences over the years, including Arab, Norman and Spanish rule.

Architecture: Erice's architecture reflects the town's rich history and culture. The oldest buildings are built in stone and follow a medieval style. The town also has Baroque churches and Renaissance palaces.

Festivals and celebrations: Erice celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including the feast of St. Vitus (its patron saint), which takes place on June 15. During the festivity, processions are held and the statue of the saint is carried through the town.

Gastronomy: Erice is known for its delicious Sicilian cuisine, which combines Arab and Italian influences. Among the most popular dishes are couscous, busiate and panelle.

Handicrafts: The city is known for its pottery, which has been produced in the region since Greek times. Local artisans also produce beautiful carpets, baskets and leather goods.