Eryx and Mount Eryx
At the top of Mount Eryx, characteristic free-standing mountain rising
above the city of Trapani, there survives a small township of very ancient
origin. It is said to have been founded by Eryx - son of Venus and Bube
- who became king of the Elymians. Impressively massive walls still bear
witness to this period. In antiquity the city was famous for cult of Venus
Ericina, the remains of whose sanctuary can still be visited today. The
township is crossed by narrow winding roads with their characteristic
pebble paving from which one can catch glimpses of an infinity of delightful
and flower-laden courtyards. There are also numerous fine old churches
like the Mother Church (13th century), San Giuliano, San Giovanni, San
Martino and Sant’Orsola. Numerous shops offer a wide variety of
antiques, carpets and pottery and Eryx is also well known for its sweets
and pastries.
More recently, Eryx has attracted attention due to the activities of the
‘Ettore Maiorana’ Centre of Scientific Culture and the numerous
scientific congresses and exhibitions of international standing held there.
At the foot of the mountain there are some particularly fine sandy beaches.
And an old tunny fishery now converted into a modern hotel.
