The ancient Elymian settlement of Erice (built on top of the mountain of the same name) still exudes all the charm of its myths and legends through its paved streets, impressive castle, craftsmen’s workshops and stone houses.
Famous for the temple of “Venere Ericina” (Venus Erycina), Erice was fought over by the Syracusans and the Carthaginians until the Romans conquered it in 244 BC.

During the Arab domination in the twelfth century, it regained some of its lost importance, and the island’s political vocation continued from there.
Many traces of the old medieval town are still visible today, as well as parts of the ancient city walls on which Phoenician inscriptions can still be made out.

The beautiful Chiesa Madre (Mother Church), the luxuriant Giardini del Balio (Balio Gardens) and the Ettore Majorana international science centre are just some of the sites that visitors must see while they are here.
Erice can now also be reached via a modern cableway which connects it to the city of Trapani.