Erice

Today began with a Cable Gondola ride to the hilltop town of Erice.

Mt Erice towers over the city of Trapani, 2464 feet above sea level. Erice is a classic Italian fortified hill town.

First stop, Chiesa Madre, the Erice Duomo. Its Bell tower rises above the church, it is not super tall. But because of the hill's elevation, it has great views. I did not think Sue would go up, but she conquered the stone spiral stairs to the top!

We visited several other churches. A narrow little lane, that Rick Steves encouraged people to navigate. It is a tight squeeze!

Just past the town's high point at the eastern end of the hill, a big stone manor house and beyond the Castle of Venus. Odd name considering it was built by the Normans. But the stones all came from the ancient Greek Temple to Venus Ericina. We did not walk to exposed ridge to the castle because it was cold and windy. The castle interior is closed due to restoration works.

The rest of our walk was spent wandering the streets and alleys, working our way back to the Gondola Station.Read more