Discover Erice

Erice brings together very different traces of the past: Norman towers, walls associated with the Elymians, churches, collections and a continuing craft tradition. You can explore the town through its architectural history, religious art, views or local products. When planning a stay, it is worth first considering which of these aspects interests you most.

Towers and architectural history in Erice

The Torre di Re Federico is a watchtower of Norman origin in the historic centre. From there, panoramic views extend over the town and the surrounding sea. The Torretta Pepoli in the Giardino del Balio has a different architectural character: the elegant building is in the Moorish style, and Count Agostino Pepoli promoted its construction around 1870. Following extensive restoration, completed in 2014, the Torretta was returned to the public as the Osservatorio Permanente di Pace and Faro del Mediterraneo.

The Castello di Venere also bears several layers of history. In its present form, it dates from the Norman period; before that, the Romans built the Temple of Venus Ericina on this site. The present-day castle and the former temple therefore represent different eras at the same location.

Churches, traditions and art

The Chiesa San Giuliano stands at the highest point of the historic centre and is considered one of Erice’s most important places of religious life. According to local tradition, Count Ruggero d’Altavilla had the church built in 1076 out of gratitude to San Giuliano, after he had helped during the siege of the Monte. The Chiesa San Martino, in turn, is one of the town’s oldest religious buildings. The Chiesa di Sant’Orsola was built in 1413 and retains its original Gothic cross-ribbed vaults.

The Duomo di Erice, also called the Chiesa Matrice, stands near Porta Trapani and is considered the town’s most important religious building. The Duomo includes the Tesoro del Duomo, with valuable silver collections that rank among the most significant in Sicily. The churches thus offer not only a range of architectural periods, but also a way to discover Erice’s religious art and history.

The Mura Elimo-Puniche and the Giardino del Balio

The Mura Elimo-Puniche is a historic monument dating from the 7th century BC and associated with the Elymians. The surviving wall extends for about 700 metres around the village. The best-preserved section runs along Via dell’Addolorata between Porta Carmine and Porta Spada. This precise location helps distinguish the especially well-preserved section from the wall’s approximate total length.

The history of the Giardino del Balio is also linked to Count Agostino Pepoli: in the late 19th century, his efforts led to the garden being restored as a public garden. Together with the Torretta Pepoli, it represents another facet of the town’s history, encompassing the design of public green spaces alongside older fortifications and churches.

Museum and cultural institutions

The Museo Cordici was founded in 1876 in the former convent of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Its purpose was to bring together works of art from the Val di Erice and present the history of the area. The collection includes sections on archaeology, decorative arts, weapons, sculptures, paintings and contemporary art; there is also a room for temporary exhibitions. Guided tours of the Museo Cordici are available on request. If you are interested, check before your visit whether an appointment is possible on your preferred date.

The use of former convent buildings also tells the story of Erice’s cultural life: the Istituto Blackett is located in the former Convent of San Domenico and is one of the locations of the Fondazione Ettore Majorana e Centro di Cultura Scientifica. The former Convent of San Francesco now houses the Istituto Wigner.

Carpet weaving and hand-decorated ceramics

The ancient art of carpet weaving continues in Erice to this day. The small shops in the medieval town offer colourful carpets in various sizes. Hand-decorated ceramics are also available in Erice. For those interested in local crafts, these offer another aspect that can shape a stay, alongside the buildings and collections.

Choosing Erice as a destination

For families, this variety can provide different opportunities for conversation and discovery. Before comparing specific hotels, consider together which topics are most appealing to your fellow travellers.

Discover more destinations

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