Erice, a wonderfully preserved hilltop town

Traversing the cobblestone streets of this charming town, I felt like I was walking through a history book. Erice (originally Eryx) began as a settlement of the Elymian people around the year 1200 BC. The Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians came and went, as did the Romans, the Arabs, and the Normans.

In Leaving Marinella, Tony and Michela visit the town using the cable car line to go from Trapani to Erice. The fifteen-minute ride itself is a must do event. The views are spectacular, and in my opinion, a much better means to reach Erice versus a bus or car.

*On our way to the top. Elevation 2,460 feet.*

If you still insist on driving a car or taking the bus, the winding roads below are your path between Trapani and Erice.

One of the main attractions is the Castello di Venere (Castle of Venus). It was built in the twelfth century AD during the Norman occupation. Note how it clings to the side of the mountain. A visit here will transport you back to the time of its creation.

*An engineering marvel from 850 or so years ago, give or take a decade.*

Sometimes described as the little castle located below the majestic Castle of Venus, it was built between 1872 and 1880. So, by Sicily standards, we’re basically talking almost new. Designed by Count Agostino Pepoli, it was used to welcome his literary friends and as a place to study. Today it’s known as the Lighthouse for Peace in the Mediterranean.

Often covered in a blanket of clouds, if you’re lucky you’ll be there on a sunny day; either way, magical is the word that comes to mind when describing Erice.

That’s our son Jim on the right. He’s pointing at the map. I think I remember him saying something like, ‘This is where we are now.’

Sneaking *a photo of my photographer wife.*

*This little guy was checking out what all the ruckus was about down on the street level.*

Erice stands watch over Trapani from the northeast and serves as a vantage point of the coastline and beyond, including the beautiful Egadi islands to the west and some claim even Africa to the southwest (less than 100 miles).

The cobbled streets are a delight to walk in the quiet town.

Great B&W photo of the narrow street. If a car passes, better find a doorway fast.

Speaking of skinny, I’m quite certain the merchants of Erice would argue there are no finer sweets to be found, and according to one shop owner we spoke with, it’s because they have been perfected over the years from ancient recipes created by the cloistered nuns who lived in a convent.

On this particular day, we left it up to the shopkeeper to fill a box of cookies for us. I thought he went too far, and we would never eat them all.

Long story short. He didn’t. We did.

*These were delicious. I only had several, so it’s hard to remember which were the best.*

Cannoli your thing? I remember it was very difficult to decide which four I wanted.

Once you arrive in Erice, there is a feeling of remoteness. I suppose that is why every time we’ve frequented a restaurant, we’ve been delightfully surprised at the choices and high quality. Two of our many visits were in the dead of winter with visiting family and while nearly everything was closed, we found a single restaurant open each time and we couldn’t have been more pleased.