Towering Erice over the west of Sicily

Erice is a wonderfully preserved Medieval town offering the most breathtaking views and a palpable sense of history.

It was originally called Eryx- a town of no little importance and renown and is said to have attracted the likes Hercules and Aeneas.

Amongst the most visited sites are the two castles, Pepoli Castle and Venus Castle. The former was built by the Arabs while the latter was a Norman construction with imposing towers that derived its name from the fact that it was built on the site of the ancient Temple of Venus, allegedly founded by Aeneas.

Views from Erice Castle.