At an altitude of 730 meters above sea level, Erice commands some of the best views in Sicily, and maybe even Europe.

Developed by the Phoenicians, this town is enclosed by massive defensible bastions and walls, and the Castello di Venere, a 12th Century Norman keep. The castle, recently closed for reconstruction, is now open.

Erice itself is a labyrinth of stone houses and cobblestone streets, some of which can be narrow enough to fit only a single person at a time.

One of our favorite features of Erice is the way the clouds and mist roll in in the afternoon, and quickly transform the mountain town into another time and place.

We strongly recommend that you locate the abandoned monastary located in the Spanish Quarter; take with you wine, bread, and olives, and soak up the view.

The round dome of San Giovanni church in Erice (June 1999)

Typical street in Erice (June 1999)

The clouds roll in around Erice (June 1999)

Looking back at the town of Erice itself (June 1999)

Perhaps our favorite viewpoint is this one, overlooking the bay of Monte Cofano, as seen from the old Spanish Monastery in Erice (April 1999)

Another great view point, this one if from the castle grounds, looking towards Trapani and the Egadi islands. (June 1999)

Another great view point, this one looking east from the castle. (Spring 2001)

The Castello Normani (Spring 2001)

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