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Erice Travel Guide
Towns and cities in Sicily
Erice, sitting majestically at 751 meters above sea level and often enshrouded in its own personal cloud, is a wonderfully preserved Mediaeval town offering the most breathtaking views and a palpable sense of history. Originally known as Eryx, Erice has seen a parade of civilizations from the ancient Elymians to the Greeks, each leaving their unique mark. With its ancient ruins and enduring legends of visitors like Hercules, Erice promises a travel experience filled with enchantment and discovery.
About the area
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Erice's unique setting on a hilltop overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea in the west of Sicily offers not only spectacular vistas but also a glimpse into its multifaceted history. The town's medieval streets, flanked by ancient stone buildings, lead visitors through a maze that feels untouched by time. The dual castles and the numerous churches in Erice showcase architectural splendour from various eras, with a blend of Arab, Norman, and Byzantine influences.
Things to do in Erice
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- Explore the castles: Amongst the most visited sites in Erice are the two castles, Pepoli Castle and Venus Castle. The former was built by the Arabs while the latter was a Norman construction with imposing towers that derived its name from the fact that it was built on the site of the ancient Temple of Venus, allegedly founded by Aeneas.
- Admire the Chiesa Madre: Built in 1314, this Gothic church is one of Erice's 60 churches and features impressive architectural details. We’d also recommend stopping by the Mediaeval Church of Saint John the Baptist.
- Stroll the Medieval streets: The maze of cobbled Mediaeval streets in Erice are a pleasure to wander around and the views are stunning.
- Enjoy panoramic views: On a cloudless day, the Egadi Islands off the coast of Trapani are vividly visible, rising from the sea like giant, motionless whales. while to the west the panorama takes in vast swathes of eastern Sicily, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the coastline towards San Vito Lo Capo, Monte Cofano and the Gulf of Castellammare.
- Visit Maria Grammatico’s pastry shop: If you have a sweet tooth, head for Maria Grammatico's famous pastry shop in Via Vittorio Emanuele, 14. Opened in 1950, this shop has become legendary also thanks to the owner's book, Bitter Almonds.
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