TRAPANI

salineTrapani is one of Sicilys provincial capitals, a commercial and industrial

centre and a busy harbour. madonnaA city of ancient origins, it was known as Dre
pana to the Greeks due to its falcate shape, and then became a Sicani village de
pendent on Erice, serving as a harbour.
An important naval base and stronghold for the Carthaginians, in 241 B.C. it was
conquered by the Romans. Since medieval times to the present day, it has shared
the same fate as the island.
Formed of old and new towns, it holds many exquisite monuments, such as the Basi
lica dellAnnunziata (14th century) with its priceless fourteenth-century statue o
f the Madonna, a valuable Gagini arch and a beautiful gate; there are also the c
hurches of Santa Maria di Ges (15th century) and San Domenico, the Church of Coll
egio (17th century), the Cathedral (17th century), the Church of SantAgostino (14
th century) and the Church of Purgatorio which holds the twenty holy groups of t
he Mysteries of Trapani. Among the citys important palaces, there is the Town Hal
l and the Casa Ciambra. You might also find the Fardelliana Library interesting,
as well as the Pepoli National Museum which contains archaeological collections
, sculptures, paintings and minor arts.
Make sure you visit Ericee which is perched on a hill behind Trapani. It sa half
hour drive to the top and the view the whole way up changes as each switchabck s
wings you around.