Historic Center of Erice

The history of Erice has its roots in the legend that wants the city founded now by Aeneas, now by Eraclea or simply by Erice, king of the Elimi. Certainly in antiquity Erice was known for its temple where the Phoenicians worshiped Astarte, the Greeks Aphrodite and the Romans Venus. Mount Eryx served as a reference point for navigators of which Venus soon became the protector. At night, a large fire lit in the sacred area served as a lighthouse. The Phoenicians were succeeded by the Syracusans (4th century BC), the Hellenes (3rd century BC), the Carthaginians, and finally the Romans who maintained the temple by abandoning the city which rose again after the year 1000 with the Norman domination. At that time there was a village connected to a Norman castle with a bridge, inhabited by Christians, but it was no longer called Erice, but Monte San Giuliano, a name it kept until 1936.
Visiting Erice is always beautiful, both in the warm and bright days of summer, when the light floods the streets and wonderful views open onto the valley and the sea, and in the winter days when the clouds envelop everything, giving the impression of being out of town. time and reality. The intricate labyrinth of alleys characterized by the beautiful squared pavement, offers unexpected glimpses of the churches and monasteries that here are more than sixty. The medieval atmosphere, the fresh air, the beautiful pine forests that surround it, the tranquility that reigns there and the local craftsmanship make it one of the favorite destinations for tourists.
Close to the Porta di Trapani, one of the entrances to the city, is the beautiful Mother Church which dates back to the 14th century and was built with material from the Temple of Venus. It is a fortress-church crowned with battlements with a large Gothic portico and a rose window that lightens the facade and an interior, in neo-Gothic style.
Nearby, isolated on the left, is the bell tower, formerly a watchtower, with Ghibelline battlements, loopholes and beautiful chiaramontano-style mullioned windows.
The Castle dates back to the Norman period (XII century), when on this promontory there were the remains of the ancient temple dedicated to Venus Ericina. The Normans built a fortress surrounded by mighty walls and protected by its position and by the more advanced Balio Towers, once connected to the castle by a drawbridge. The defensive character is still testified by the plumbing hole above the entrance door enriched by the coat of arms of Charles V of Spain and by a beautiful mullioned window.

The small town of Erice with its approximately 30,000 inhabitants

This charming, high-altitude town tells its own story through the interplay of narrow streets, medieval buildings and the impressive remains of Norman fortifications.Erice seems like a place that has stood still in time. Even the journey up Mount Eryx by bike is a small adventure in itself. Once up here, you are treated to a view of the town that takes you back to times gone by. The narrow cobbled streets and well-preserved buildings make it seem as if a knight could emerge from around the next corner.Particularly exciting is the mix of legends and history that surround Erice. Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans have left their mark here - the mountain once served as a holy place that was worshipped by sailors and pilgrims. And then there is the Venus Castle, which was built on the remains of an ancient temple. The castle and the views of the surrounding area alone are worth the steep climb.The medieval alleyways invite you to explore, and even though there are a few steep climbs, they are always worth it. Park your bike and let yourself drift - whether in the summer in clear light or on a foggy winter day, the atmosphere is unique.