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Erice

Erice is a hilltop town in western Sicily, perched on Monte Erice above the coastal city of Trapani. The historic centre retains a largely medieval layout, with cobbled streets, ancient landmarks, pre-Roman fortifications and numerous churches reflecting its religious significance.

See
57
Do
21
Eat
9
Drink
4
Buy
4

95 places

  1. Buy

    A Putia du Mastru d’Ascia

    The Shop of the Master Carpenter

    Artisan wood shop showcasing handcrafted Sicilian wooden pieces—decor objects, small furnishings, toys, lamps, and unique souvenirs—linked to the Agueci woodworking atelier in nearby Valderice.

  2. See

    Agro-Forestry Museum of San Matteo

    Museo Agro-Forestale San Matteo

    Set in a traditional rural baglio, the museum explores local agricultural and forestry traditions on Monte Erice.

    Check seasonal opening (often closed in winter)Free or small donation

  3. See

    Annunciation or Carmine Church

    Chiesa dell'Annunziata o del Carmine

    Founded in 1423 by Don Bernardo Militari in his palace, this church is a rare example of private ecclesiastical architecture in Sicily. It blends Gothic and Renaissance styles with vibrant local Baroque touches. It was historically attached to a Carmelite convent, founded in 1423. The adjoining convent buildings are now used as a hotel.

  4. Eat

    Antica Pasticceria da Michele

    Historic pastry shop and bar with outdoor tables. Great for a morning cappuccino and pastry, plus panini and light snacks all day.

  5. Do

    Baglio Ingardia

    An agricultural estate producing olive oil, wine and craft beer, and offering tastings to visitors.

  6. Do

    Baglio Sorìa Resort & Wine Experience

    A winery offering wine tastings and master classes, cooking classes, a restaurant and accommodation.

  7. Do

    Balio Gardens

    Giardino del Balio

    Public gardens near the Castle of Venus, with terraces, fountains, and Mediterranean plants. Landscaped in the 1870s by Count Pepoli, they are now part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network. Offers panoramic views over Trapani and the sea.

    Open dailyFree

  8. See

    Balio Towers

    Torri del Balio

    Group of medieval towers that once guarded the castle approach and housed royal officials. Overlooks the coastline and Balio Gardens.

    Exterior open; towers included in Erice Card ticketIncluded in the Erice Card

  9. Do

    Barone di Serramarrocco

    A winery producing Erice DOC wines on the historic lands of a 17th-century barony. Tastings by special arrangement.

  10. Do

    CAI 601 – Saint Anna Trail

    Sentiero di Sant'Anna

    5.5-km trail through forested slopes and picnic areas, ending at the Sant’Anna Sanctuary near the cable car base station.

    Always openFree

  11. Do

    CAI 602 – Three Churches Trail

    Sentiero Porta Castellammare–Tre Chiese

    4.5-km loop with wildflower meadows, panoramic overlooks, and small chapels east of the town.

    Always openFree

  12. Do

    CAI 603 – Pepoli Turret Trail

    Sentiero Torretta Pepoli

    2.7-km shaded loop with views of the Castle of Venus and wooded terrain. Good for birdwatching and photography.

    Always openFree

  13. Do

    CAI 604 – San Matteo Forestry Trail

    Sentiero Demanio Forestale San Matteo

    6.9-km trail with pine woods, agro-pastoral landscapes, and educational signage. Ends at the Forestry Museum.

    Always openFree

  14. Drink

    Caffè del Balio

    Charming seasonal café set in the Balio Gardens, perfect for a granita or cold drink on a hot day. The historical building offers shaded outdoor tables and panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. A peaceful spot to rest and refresh in summer.

  15. See

    Castle of Venus

    Castello di Venere

    12th-century Norman castle built over the ancient Temple of Venus Erycina. Set on a cliff with wide views over the coast and valleys.

    Apr–May & Oct: 10:00–18:00; Jun–Sep: 10:00–19:00 (Aug until 20:00)Included in the Erice Card

  16. See

    Chapel of Our Lady of Custonaci

    Cappella della Madonna di Custonaci

    This small chapel overlooks the countryside with distant views toward Custonaci, where the main sanctuary of the Madonna of Custonaci is located. It is dedicated to the Madonna of Custonaci, one of the most venerated Marian figures in western Sicily.

    Free

  17. See

    Chiaramontan Aqueduct

    Acquedotto chiaramontano

    Historic Difali fountain that was part of a medieval aqueduct constructed by the Chiaramonte family to convey water to Trapani.

    Accessible at all timesFree

  18. See

    Church of Saint Albert

    Chiesa di Sant'Alberto dei Bianchi

    Oval-plan 16th-century church with altars and stuccoes, once used by a charitable brotherhood.

  19. See

    Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot

    Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate

    Coastal-view church with Byzantine frescoes and distinctive Tuscan columns.

  20. See

    Church of Saint Catherine

    Chiesa di Santa Caterina

    This small church was built in 1335 and formed part of a large palazzo of a noble soldier Giovanni Majorana that once extended all the way down to Piazza Carmine.

  21. See

    Church of Saint Francis of Assisi

    Chiesa di San Francesco

    Founded in 1364 by Count Francesco Ventimiglia in his former palace, this active church—once part of a major Franciscan complex—features a single nave and a Renaissance-style vestibule added in the early 20th century.

  22. See

    Church of Saint Francis of Paola

    Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola

    A single-nave church dedicated to Saint Francis of Paola, a town in Calabria. The building served as a hospital chapel until the 19th century, associated with a hospital once located in the adjacent Majorana Soldier Palace.

  23. See

    Church of Saint Hippolytus

    Chiesa di Sant'Ippolito

    A ruined medieval church which preserves fragments of a medieval fresco cycle and incorporates the cave Oratory of Saint Gregory, associated with earlier eremitic traditions.

  24. See

    Church of Saint Isidore

    Chiesa di Sant'Isidoro

    Small sanctuary near the birthplace of Blessed Luigi Rabatà, historically linked to farming communities.

    Included in the Erice Card

  25. See

    Church of Saint John the Baptist

    Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

    Gothic-style church with marble works by the Gagini school and Erice’s largest nave.

  26. See

    Church of Saint Julian

    Chiesa di San Giuliano

    It was founded by Roger I, and rebuilt in the 17th century. It is used for religious and civic gatherings.

    10:00–18:00Included in the Erice Card

  27. See

    Church of Saint Martin

    Chiesa di San Martino

    17th-century confraternity church with Renaissance and Rococo-style interiors. A statue of Padre Pio stands beside the church in Piazzetta Adragna, the town's former market square.

    Included in the Erice Card

  28. See

    Church of Saint Mary Magdalene

    Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena

    Ruined medieval church of probable Norman origin, formerly decorated with a notable cycle of 12th-century frescoes now preserved in the Church of San Giovanni Battista.

  29. See

    Church of Saint Mary Major

    Chiesa di Santa Maria Maggiore

    One of the three medieval churches of the Tre Chiese route, representing the network of rural religious foundations that once occupied the slopes of Monte Erice.

  30. See

    Church of Saint Peter

    Chiesa di San Pietro

    Built in 1365 and rebuilt in 1610 in Baroque style; connected by an arch to the Monastery of the Poor Clares