Not far from Trapani, on the summit of an isolated mountain, 751 m above sea level rests, naturally protected, solemn and solitary, a small and precious jewel of our province. For centuries the beauty of the views, the tranquility of the place and the mist that often hides it from prying eyes have made Erice a favorite place for the studies of scholars and the prayers of the religious. Made up of narrow, winding streets, typically medieval arches, richly decorated courtyards and small stores it still maintains its ancient charm. It has the shape of a perfect equilateral triangle, crowned on two vertices by the Castle of Venus, to the southeast, and the Chiesa Matrice, to the southwest. In the center, the church of San Domenico is now home to the prestigious “Ettore Majorana” International Center for Scientific Culture, the hub of intense scientific research directed by Prof. Antonino Zichichi, who founded it in 1963. The town is also famous for the very special local pastry, to which nuns have dedicated themselves since ancient times. If you are in the area, don’t miss the festival dedicated to Maria SS. of Custonaci, the town’s patron saint. Celebrations begin throughout the Erice countryside in the week preceding the last Wednesday in August and then culminate in the procession that winds its way through the city streets. On Good Friday, the Procession of the Mysteries takes place: with the favor of the evocative medieval setting, groups of statues parade through the city, retracing the most important stages of Christ’s passion. Cable car – It is possible to take the cable car from Trapani to the village. FOR INFORMATION ON OPENING HOURS OF CHURCHES AND MUSEUMS IN ERICE CALL 0923 869123