Grande Albergo Maugeri. Erice
Erice is an old Medieval town near Trapani. It is called "City of Science" because it houses the Scientific Culture Centre "Ettore Maiorana" instituted by Prof. Zichichi. This centre attracts many scientists from all the world to discuss various themes, such as Medicine, Law, History, Astronomy, Philology and Chemistry.
Erice has an intact Medieval centre and its urban triangular structure is surrounded by giant walls, towers and three Norman gates, called "Spada", "del Carmine" and "Trapani".
There are above 60 churches, such as:
The Cathedral, dated back to the 14th century and devoted to Madonna dell'Assunta. Its bell-tower has mono- and mullioned window and it's isolated like a tower, and that's why they say that it was used for sighting.
San Cataldo Church, dated back to the 4th century and many times altered.
San Giuliano Church, built by the Normans in 1000 BC and transformed in the 17th century. Look at the unusual façade made up of red stone.
Saint John the Baptist Church, built during the Middle Ages, was rebuilt in the 17th century and its Gothic portal is still intact. You can see its white cupola looking at the eastern part of the city.
Visit also:
the
Castle, bulwark of the city and surroundings, was built in the 12th – 13th centuries on a hill where the old acropolis and the temple of Venus Ericina were. You can see some towers, the walls and remains of the old temple of Venus.
The
City Hall houses the Civic Library and "Cordici" Museum:
EVENTS
In spring
"Gara in salita di velocità Monte Erice", motor race – uphill time trial.
At the end of summer
"Week of Medieval and Renaissance Music".
SUGGESTION
Don't miss Erice refined sweets.
The tourist you find here is a connoisseur and not a mass tourist.
Visit Erice in winter, too, when the fog creates an unreal atmosphere in the little Medieval streets which are still and show many plants and flowers. Enjoy the silence of the churches and cloister and buy traditional handicrafts, such as graced decorated ceramics and multicoloured carpets.
