A person who is commonly called average has hardly heard of the small province of Trapani and the town of the same name, located in the northwest. But if you ask this person, especially an older one, who is commissioner Cattani, then many will remember the sensational Italian TV series "Octopus", where Cattani courageously fights the Sicilian mafia. But the action of the series takes place precisely on the narrow old streets of Trapani!
A look into the past
Like all the cities of Sicily, without exception, Trapani also lived through difficult, turbulent centuries, where one invader was replaced by another. Archaeological excavations show that already several millennia BC, the lands of the present province of Trapani were inhabited by representatives of the Elimacy people.
A real settlement arose here with the arrival of the Greek colonizers. They named him after Drepanon, which means sickle. The fact is that here, between the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas, a narrow sickle-shaped peninsula arose, which has convenient harbors. Actually, this peninsula became the historical center of the present Trapani, and in this way it resembles the island of Ortigia in.
The Greeks did not change their habits and came up with a beautiful legend about how the goddess of the harvest Demeter, having learned about the death of her daughter, dropped her sharp sickle out of grief, and it fell into the sea waters, catching the handle on the shore, turning into a peninsula.
Sicily all the time remained the arena of the struggle of the Greeks and Carthaginians for "spheres of influence". During a certain period of time, Drepanon became Phoenician, and then one of the major ports of the Carthaginians. The Phoenicians developed a salt industry here, and since then, local residents have been extracting salt in the vicinity of the city for many centuries, under different rulers.
In the III century BC. in the harbor of the city took place a major maritime battle of Drepanon"between the Romans and the Carthaginians, in which the fleet of the latter won a brilliant victory. However, the fate of the city, like the whole of Sicily, was still predetermined - the rule of the Roman Empire was established here for several centuries.
After the Romans, the province came under the jurisdiction Byzantium, after Arabs, and then - Normans, Spaniards, and finally, Bourbon. The latter were expelled from here by the rebellious Sicilians led by Garibaldi. Each of the peoples left something of their own in the appearance of the city, so Trapani, like perhaps no city on the island, today demonstrates an amazing variety of architectural styles, especially impressive against the background of its modest size.
Nevertheless, summarizing, it should be said that the appearance of the city was formed mainly by Arabs and Spaniards. The first, among other things, created a well-branched irrigation system in the province, laid the existing street network. The latter reconstructed and improved the city wall, built several fortified towers and fortresses, and also built many Catholic churches and monasteries.
What is interesting about the city of Trapani for tourists
Trapani is not the most popular tourist city in the province, there are more popular places here, for example, Favignana or Erice. But these towns attract visitors only by their popularity, the leisure industry and entertainment, while in Trapani you can enjoy the architecture, history, and unique charm of ancient Sicily.
Having decided to get acquainted with this town, you should not worry about transport, and it’s difficult to get lost here, because all the historical streets are short, often resting at both ends on the sea embankment (this is the “sickle” of Demeter). Taking a bottle of water with you just in case to freshen up, it’s really possible to see the sights in half a day.
The main street of the old town is the pedestrian Vittorio Emmanuele (Corso Vittorio Emanuele). It has a graceful façade Basilica of the Virgin Mary, built at the beginning of the 14th century. It contains the Madonna di Trapani - a marble statue of the Virgin and Child. To see the shrine, believers come here from all over the country. The number of pilgrims rapidly increases in the first half of August, during the multi-day feast in honor of the Madonna. It ends with the solemn removal of the statue from the basilica to the city streets. According to some reports, the sculpture was created by the famous Nino Pisano.
In the immediate vicinity of the Basilica is the former Carmelite monastery, at one time it was considered the largest Carmelite monastery in Italy. Now a secular institution functions here - the Pepoli Museum, popular in the city.
On the same street is located Cathedral of San Lorenzo- the main city temple in the system of church hierarchy. Its wide baroque façade barely fits among the surrounding buildings. It is replete with decorative elements: stucco, small statues, arches and cornices. The modern building of the cathedral was built in the 17th century, but, as often happens in Sicily, on the site of a 14th-century temple that used to stand here.
In addition to these, the most significant churches, in Trapani there are at least a dozen other temples representing the era of the middle and late Middle Ages. Among them are Church of Our Lady of Jesus and Church of Saint Augustine. The first is known for its unusual ceramic sculpture of Our Lady, the second, located on Via Torrearsa - one of the oldest in the city, has a remarkable stone "rosette" above the entrance.
Also popular outside of Sicily Church of Purgatory(chiesa del Purgatorio). There are shrines important for the townspeople here - 20 figures made in human growth and depicting scenes from the sufferings of Christ. The figures are more than two centuries old, and every year on Easter, on Good Friday, the inhabitants solemnly bring them to the streets of Trapani to hold a special theatrical performance - the Mystery.
On the Via Garibaldi guests of the city are surprised by the luxurious medieval palaces of local nobles- palazzo. They are named after their owners: Morana, Cavaretta, San Gioachino, Milo, San Rocco. At the end of the street is the Senator's Palace with a pair of huge antique clocks. Several palazzos are located and on Via Liberta.
A small promontory near the harbor of Trapani is guarded by a massive castle-castle of Castello Colombaia, which was built at one time by the Arabs on the site of an ancient, apparently Greek fortification, and reconstructed and strengthened by the Spaniards. If you arrive in the city from the sea, it is this fortress that is already visible from afar, meeting travelers. The castle was used as a prison for a long time, and even now it looks gloomy.
Not far from it is another fortification, Torre di Ligny(Torre di Ligny), a fortress tower at the very tip of Cape Trapani. Its authors are the Spaniards, and until the middle of the 19th century, artillery pieces were installed here. Now the tower receives tourists, inside it works Museum of prehistoric times.
And the most popular museum in the city is called Pepoli National Museum, in the building of the Carmelite monastery, which has already been mentioned here. The museum specializes in collections from the times of Ancient Greece and Rome, but its highlight is the exposition of coral crafts, which were worth their weight in gold in Europe a couple of centuries ago. Now coral souvenirs cannot be made, but earlier the locals were famous for their ability to process corals, decorating them with precious metals.
Also in the Pepoli Museum there is a permanent art gallery of famous artists of Sicily.
Everyone who has visited this city considers one of its most interesting places to be ancient salt mines or salterns. It has already been mentioned that the Phoenicians began to develop the tradition of salt mining here. It is noteworthy that salt is mined in these parts even now, although the scale of fishing has significantly decreased. Mills that grinded salt adorn the appearance of the city to this day, although now, of course, they have already lost their functionality. On the embankment, where tourists rush during the promenade, there is an interesting and informative Salt Museum.
Antique lovers should definitely visit Segesta- an ancient Hellenic city twenty minutes drive east of Trapani. Since the 13th century, it has been abandoned, although in ancient times it was one of the richest in Sicily. At the excavation site of the old Segesta, an unfinished temple with 36 columns has been preserved, even now it is impressive in its scale. Also here you can see a huge amphitheater carved into the rock, the remains of an Arab mosque, the ruins of the city walls and the Norman castle.
Excursions in Trapani
To fully enjoy the interesting places in Trapani, we recommend using the services. This region is very interesting in terms of excursions:
- The city of Trapani itself: ancient and interesting
- Mountainous and picturesque medieval Erice
- Amazing beaches of the Aegadian Islands
- The capital of the Sicilian mafia, Salemi
- salt mines
- Marsala, the city of the famous Sicilian wine.
You can sign up for a tour by filling out the form below.
Beach holidays in Trapani in Sicily
There are no good ones directly in the city, the shores here are rocky. Fans of soaking up the sand usually go to towns Marauza and San Giuliano located literally in the suburbs of Trapani. In San Giuliano, in general, you can even walk, from the city center only about 2 km. You need to drive about 9 km to Lido Marauza beach, but here the wide coastline stretches for more than 2 km. From here, from Marauza, tourists are always taken to the small Aegadian Islands, clearly visible even from the beach line.
If you are determined to plunge into a beach holiday seriously and for a long time, you can visit the beaches of San Vito lo Capo, 40 km. from Trapani. There are ideal beaches, many excellent hotels, everything for a comfortable stay. The local beach is one of the top Sicilian sandy beaches, it is well-groomed, clean, the water is always calm and shallow, which is especially important for families with children.
Local cuisine of Trapani, Italy
It is represented by traditional Italian dishes with an admixture of Arabic influence, which is generally typical for Sicily. The streets of the city abound with small eateries and cafes where you can always try a variety of pizza and spaghetti. Closer to the embankment, dishes with the addition of seafood. Tuna cooked in a variety of ways, fish sauces and casseroles are popular here. You can always find many different soft cheeses, as well as excellent local olives and homemade bread. An everyday treat in Trapani is Arabic couscous with spicy fish sauce.
An excellent solution to learn the culinary traditions of Sicily is to go
Many interesting local products can be purchased at fish market which is always lively. The city of Trapani cannot boast of good shopping, but the fish market will provide a good opportunity to wander around in search of local colorful shopping.
Do not forget that the province of Trapani is famous throughout Sicily with their wines, which are produced here more than in total in Austria, Chile and Hungary.
Things to do in Trapani
The locals love colorful festivals. One has already been mentioned - this is (Processione dei Gruppi Sacri della Via Crucis), when figures from the Church of the Purgatory of Souls are carried through the streets. Thousands of tourists specially come to this action.
At the end of September, a traditional couscous festival. He was born quite recently, but already has his traditional admirers who come here to get acquainted with the cuisine of North Africa, learn the traditions of the peoples of the Mediterranean.
In July, opera lovers come to the city for the traditional opera festival which is over half a century old. He is known throughout Sicily, he is known on the mainland of Italy. Masters of this art collect their concerts at Villa Margherita. By the way, this villa is famous in the city for its luxurious park, where you can see various exotic plants. It is in the park, in a beautiful amphitheater, that opera concerts sound.
On August 7, the streets of the city are transformed, drowning in bright colors and fun. So mark Feast of Saint Albert, the patron saint of Trapani. Citizens make every effort to make their holiday spectacular and attract tourists.
Local funicular Trapani-Erice
As already noted, Trapani is a coastal city, its historical center is located on a gently sloping peninsula. But over time, the city grew, and now its outskirts have come off the sea, climbing a steep mountain slope. This mountain is called Erice, it rises above the city, and is connected to it by a long funicular, built on the basis of an old cable car. The length of the funicular is more than 3000 m, the upper station is located at an altitude of about 800 meters. Travel time one way takes 25 minutes. Modern cabins for 8 people are equipped with lighting, there are special cabins for the disabled, as well as for travelers with bicycles.
From the observation platform on the slope of Erice, an unforgettable landscape opens up to the sea coast, lying below Trapani and the Egadi Islands darkening in the distance. If it happens in spring, the air is filled with the smell of citrus orchards that grow in abundance on the slopes of the mountain. From the seaport to the lower station of the funicular go buses with numbers 21 and 23. Funicular fare - 9 euro round trip.
How to get to Trapani
In the city itself there is a small airport, "Vincenzo Florio", where low-cost flights fly from many points in Italy, located only 8 km. from the center. The nearest major airport, from where it is easy to get to Trapani, is. From here between the cities regularly go. Travel time - 1 hour 45 minutes, cost - approximately 7 euros one way. You can also get there by train, but trains run quite rarely.
Cheap flights TPS
| Where | departure date | Return date | Find a ticket |
Bologna | |||
Rome | |||
Catania |
Trapani, the city of salt and wind, is best known for the splendor of the sea and the natural beauties that surround it. If you want to see the city from above, take the cable car up to where you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Trapani has undergone many changes over the centuries, but has managed to maintain the vastness of its cultural and artistic heritage. The historical center of the city captivates with its Arabian lanes, beautiful churches, luxurious palaces, museums, fountains, buildings of military strategic importance and other historical monuments.
We will walk through the main attractions and take an inspiring walk around the city, breathe in the wind that blows through the winding streets and carries the smell of the sea.
1. Torre di Ligny (Tower of Ligny)
An impressive, but at the same time elegant fortress, made of stone and tuff, is located at the very end of the city. The strip of land on which the fortress is located separates the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas. From its terrace offers a breathtaking view of Cape San Vito, Marsala and. To the west, the Aegadian Islands and the small island of Formica open up. The tower was built in 1671 by order of the Spanish governor Claudio La Moraldo in order to protect the city from Turkish raids. The fortress was named after the prince of Linyi and consisted of four towers with lights, which also served as a sea signal. Today it is the seat of the Anthropological Museum (Museo Civico Antropologico). This is a great place for various summer events and interesting exhibitions. On the north side of the tower is a small stretch of beach. You can get here along the footpath leading from the city.
The address: Via Torre di Ligny
Working hours: from October 1 to April 30, from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 to 12.30, from 16.00 to 18.30.
2. Castello della Colombaia (Pigeon Castle)
Arriving by sea, Trapani welcomes the 32-meter Colombaia Castle, built on a small island in the eastern part of the port. Its second name Castello di Mare(Sea Castle) or Torre Peliade(Peliade tower). Today's name Colombaia comes from the Greek name for the island, Peliàdes, (from peleia, dove). Hence the alternative name Torre Peliade. The origin of the castle is connected with a beautiful legend: they say that doves flying from Africa to the Goddess Astarte, whose temple was located in neighboring Erice, stopped here.
Impressive is not only the location of the castle, but also its thousand-year history. The first defensive tower of the castle was erected in 260 BC. and witnessed the great naval battles between the Romans and the Carthaginians. This is one of the finest examples of military architecture in Sicily.
The address: Isola Colombaia, Trapani (TP), Italy
How to get there:
3. Mura di Tramontana (Sunset Wall)
Spanish domination left behind a beautiful wall built to protect the city from enemy attacks. The wall is located on the north side of the city from Piazza Mercato del Pesce before Bastione Conca. From here you have a magnificent view of the city, the sunsets are especially magnificent here.
4. Porta Oscura e Orologio astronomico (Dark gate and astronomical clock)
The oldest gate in the city and the only surviving of the four that make up the core of the city, which characterized Trapani in antiquity. They are located in the historic center of the city on Torrearsa Street and were built in the 13th century by the will of Giacomo d'Aragona. Behind the gate are the old quarters of Casalicchio and Di Mezzo. In 1596, by order of the jury, an astronomical clock was built, designed by the Trapani master Giuseppe Mennella. Even today, the mechanism functions perfectly and shows the time, seasons and lunar phases.
The address: Via Torre Arsa, 47, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy
Telephone: +39 0923 544533
5. Palazzo della Giudecca (Giusecca Palace)
In the heart of the Jewish quarter, Trapani houses one of the finest examples of the Plateresco (Spanish form of Gothic) style in Sicily, the Giudecca Palace. This elegant building with a beautiful façade was purchased by the Ciambra family in the first half of the 16th century. They changed the façade, decorating it with diamond-tipped bosses. The building occupies two floors. The entrance is opened through a gothic portal in the form of a pointed arch and an adjoining tower, considered one of the five depicted on the emblem of the city. Inside the palace there is a garden with beautiful windows made with elements of the Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The address: Via Giudecca 25/59, 91100, Trapani, Sicily
6. Chiesa di San Pietro (St. Peter's Church)
One of the oldest churches in the city, probably built in the early Christian era. Its history covers numerous events, including the restoration and expansion by order of Count Ruggero D'Altavilla (Ruggero D'Altavilla) in 1076. In 1775, the church had a basilica structure with five naves, making it unique of its kind in Trapani. However, the numerous works preserved in it also make the church unique, such as the painting by Carrara depicting Christ calling St. Andrew an apostle; the wooden Crucifixion by Giuseppe Milanti and the invaluable organ built by the Palermitan Francesco La Grassa in 1836 and 1847. Francesco devoted eleven years of his life to work on the organ.
It is one of the most complex instruments built in Europe, consisting of seven keyboards with 12 hands. It reproduces the sound effects of brass, fanfare, cymbals, trumpets, oboe, saxophones and bassoons, as well as stringed instruments such as the violin. And, as they say, reproduces even the human voice.
The address: Largo San Pietro, 91100, Trapani, Sicilia, Italia
7. Chiesa di Sant'Agostino (Church of Saint Augustine)
Former Templar chapel, dedicated in 1101 to John the Baptist. The main façade of the church is adorned with a Gothic rosette left over from 1101, while the apse, destroyed by the bombings of 1943, has been rebuilt. The church is located on Piazzetta Saturno, a few steps from the main avenue - Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
8. Palazzo della Vicaria (Palace of the Vicar)
The palace arose in 1820 on a pre-existing complex of houses belonging to the "Society of Jesus". He is also called "Palazzo dell'ex carcere"- the palace of the former prison, since that was its purpose until 1965. Today the palace is used for exhibitions and cultural meetings.
The address: Via S. Francesco D'Assisi, 45, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy
Telephone: +39 0923 806813
9. Chiesa del Purgatorio (Church of Purgatory)
The famous Church of Purgatory is located on via San Francesco d'Assisi, parallel to the main avenue. Corso Vittorio Emanuele. The church itself was built in 1688, but its façade dates from 1712 and 1714, as evidenced by the dates engraved on the marble steps at the base. The facade is decorated with 12 stucco statues of the apostles, and above the door is a statue of the SS. Salvatore.
The sanctuary owes its fame, first of all, to the fact that it is the repository of 12 sacred statues dating back to 1400. The statues are made of wood, glue and canvas and depict the famous Passion of the Christ. For 400 years, the church has maintained the traditions and organized a procession on Good Friday.
10. Ex Piazza Mercato del pesce (Former fish market square)
The beautiful square, built in 1874 by Giovanni Battista Talotti, was once the site of a city market. Under its portico, street vendors sold their products, and fishermen offered the freshest fish. Today, charming venus statue, located in the center of the square, invites visitors who start their journey to the walls of Tramontana from here. The square is the site of numerous cultural and gastronomic events, including the Stragusto International Street Trade Festival.
11. Fontana del Tritone (Fountain of Triton)
located on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the fountain was built in 1890, in honor of the opening of the “Dammusi” aqueduct. In 1951, a bronze statue of Triton, made by the master from Trapani, Domenico di Muli, was placed in the center of the fountain. The octagonal fountain is surrounded by palm trees and marble benches - a great place to relax. Opposite the fountain is statue of Victor Emanuel II built by Giovanni Dupre in 1882. The square is a kind of starting point for exploring the historical center of Trapani.
12. Cattedrale San Lorenzo (Cathedral of San Lorenzo)
The Cathedral of San Lorenzo is the city's cathedral in Trapani. Its construction dates back to 1421 by order of Alfonso Magnanimo of the Aragonese dynasty. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone many changes and reconstructions, and reached its current appearance only in the XVIII century, when there was a restructuring under the guidance of the architect Giovanni Biagio Amico (Giovanni Biagio Amico). In his project, Giovanni created the side chapels, the dome, the bell tower and the façade. A little later, between 1794 and 1801, various decorations were made, in the form of paintings and stucco decorations. The cathedral is located on the main avenue of Trapani - Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
13. Villa Margherita (Villa Margarita)
The main villa of the city was created on behalf of the municipal administration, headed by Enrico Fardella, shortly after the unification of Italy. The park, opened to the public in 1889, spreads over 21,000 m² and has 4 entrances. It got its name in honor of Queen Margaret of Savoy. The park has a pond where geese, ducks, black and white swans live; enclosures with various species of birds, hazel grouse, parrots. Along the main avenue are Doric columns, which are part of the ruined theater of Garibaldi. From the end of the 19th century to the present day, every summer, in the piazzale dei Ficus, there are opera music concerts performed by Ente luglio Musicale Trapanese.
Trapani is a resort in Sicily, which, on top of that, is also the capital of the province of the same name. This city is located in the western part, off the coast of the Tyrrhentian Sea and the Strait of Sicily. Trapani in Sicily is very famous for its port. This city is also famous due to the presence in it of a large number of attractions.
What is the city of Trapani famous for?
The Sicilian town is very famous throughout the island and throughout Italy. First of all, this is due to the high level of salt production that is produced here. Throughout the town, one can even observe unique mills with pointed tops - it is in them that this product is ground.
On the territory of the province of Trapani there are several vineyards where the best berries grow - they make excellent wine. The drink produced in this province is known all over the world - it is bought in the most expensive restaurants, including in Russia. Also, the city and its surroundings are famous for the large amount of olive oil and olives produced.
Fishing is very well developed in Trapani. It is here that local lovers of this activity catch valuable species of fish, in particular tuna.
Sights of Trapani
Sicily is an island that attracts tourists with its sights, among which there are both architectural and natural.
Trapani - which is famous for its cathedral and several so-called palazzos. The most famous among them is the Palazzo Siambra-Giyudekk, which was erected during the Aragonese rule.
The Basilica of the Annunciation is famous all over the world, which tourists come to see. Here you can also admire the creation of the famous sculptor Nino Pisano - the statue of the Virgin. The city of Trapani is relatively small in size, so you can visit all its sights without even using transport - on foot.
Guests of the city who wish to get acquainted with its sights are often offered a visit to the Jewish quarter, which is associated with historical events of a long period. Jewish settlements lived on its territory until the 15th century.
While in this city, you should definitely visit its main street - Corso Vittorio Emanuele, where you can admire the luxurious villas that were built back in the distant 18-19th centuries.
Traditional cuisine
Undoubtedly, all guests of the city are interested in learning about the peculiarities of the local national cuisine. Here you can taste its dishes in local catering establishments.
In Trapani (Sicily), traditional Mediterranean cuisine is prepared, the hallmark of which is the frequent use of sauce. In Trapani, culinary experts are very fond of seasoning prepared salads and pasta with pesto alla trapanese sauce. Here they cook delicious pork sausages, their own version of the Arabic couscous dish, as well as stuffed chop. For dessert, local establishments can offer pancakes (especially delicious stuffed with honey and ricotta), sesame nougat with honey, and Cannoli tubes.
The establishments of Trapani are very fond of preparing seafood dishes. Here they are added to pasta, broth, soups, as well as side dishes.
"Procession of Mysteries"
The "Procession of the Mysteries" is one of the most famous and interesting traditions that are found in the city of Trapani (Sicily). It has its roots in the history of Andalusia.
Such a procession is carried out on the Friday before Easter, it starts at 2 pm. His route starts from the Church of Souls in Purgatory and passes through all the largest streets of the city. People who participate in it depict representatives of the population of different classes and carry with them sculptures of religious themes, which are made of wood. Also, musicians of brass bands, children and local residents who dress up in festive costumes take part in the "Procession of the Sacraments". Residents of the city carry flowers and different flags, making the column of marchers look very bright. This event lasts exactly one day.
Peculiarities
When choosing Trapani (Sicily) for recreation, you should remember some of the features inherent in this island. There are not many of them, but they are important.
First of all, you should decide on the season that will be the most favorable for this purpose. The ideal period for this is from May to October. It is then that here the water and air warm up to the most comfortable level. During this period, there is also a minimum number of rainy days.
If you are planning a family trip with children, you should pay great attention to the features of their accommodation. The fact is that in Trapani (Sicily) not all hotels provide discounts for accommodation of minor guests. Of course, when booking a hotel room, you should check in advance whether they have the possibility of providing a separate baby cot.
Beaches
This town has several good beaches that are very similar to each other. They bear the same name - Lido. Both beaches in Trapani (Sicily) are sandy, and they are equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant stay for every tourist. Here you can find small bars everywhere where you can quench your thirst with delicious soft drinks. They also have mobile restaurants that work only in summer - at the time of a large influx of tourists.
On the sea coast, you can rent a boat and sail on it to the Aegadian Islands, which are located nearby. Transportation in this case will be carried out under the supervision of a professional instructor.
Hotels in Trapani (Sicily)
Sicily attracts the attention of many travelers. When they get here, everyone has one question: in which hotel to stay, so much so that it has the most comfortable living conditions? In order to choose the most suitable of all those offered, you can view all kinds of forums where tourists who vacation here leave reviews.
Trapani (Sicily) is the city where the Tiziano, Vittoria, Michele and Tirreno hotels are most famous. It is here, according to vacationers, that the widest range of quality services is provided, and even for a very reasonable fee.
There are, of course, simpler options. In particular, the hotels "Moderno", "Albergo Makotta" and "Aosta" can be attributed to them.
It should be noted that in most hotels breakfast is already included in the daily room rate.
The small city of Trapani in the northwest of Sicily stands out among its brethren with its unusual layout, a mixture of architectural styles that is unique even for Italy, and amazing buildings that you will not find anywhere else. Many cozy comfortable hotels, magnificent beaches, a huge amount of entertainment - all this made the resort one of the most popular in Sicily.
Antique-styled pointed windmills are one of the symbols of the town. Now it is just a decoration, but once they performed an important and sought-after function - they grinded salt, which is still mined in Trapani.
The city is not only famous for this. Local fishermen catch a huge amount of tuna and other fish, farmers are proud of the quantity and quality of olives, they make excellent olive oil. Winemaking is a special article. The province of Trapani produces more wine than Austria, Chile and Hungary combined.
The town is so beautiful and unusual that the legend of its appearance is believed more than the facts of history. Of course, it was a precious sickle that the goddess Demeter dropped during a frenzied chariot ride. It can be seen that the winged snakes harnessed to the chariot have lost their snake gallop. A heavenly sickle fell on the sea coast, and a city arose on it. The name of the city comes from the ancient Greek "Drepanon", which means "sickle".
For a long time, the settlement at the foot of Mount Etice belonged to the Phoenicians. Archaeological research and excavations have proven that people lived on these lands already in the 14th-13th centuries BC. e. The Romans, who repeatedly attempted to conquer the settlement and the Aegadian Islands that belonged to it, managed to do this in 257 AD. e.
Over the centuries, the city has changed hands. It was the fate of all Italy. And only in the 18th century did its gradual flourishing begin. In the 20th century, after the end of the First World War, the population enthusiastically took up winemaking, fishing, and continued the development of salt mining.
City of ten cultures
Trapani lies on a crescent-shaped promontory between the Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean seas. The place is very favorable for the device of outposts, ports. That is why these lands passed from hand to hand. Romans, Phoenicians, barbarians, Byzantines, Spaniards, Arabs - all marked this coast. Well, that is not always bad deeds. But also leaving behind the original architectural structures. Many attractions are a mixture of styles. This gives the city originality and uniqueness.
The Arabs created an irrigation system here. The Spaniards reconstructed the city walls. The Bourbons did a lot to develop and decorate the city. Now the historical center strikes with the splendor of ancient buildings and temples.
One of the most beautiful is the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is also called the Basilica of Maria Santissima Annunziata. The “primary source” of the attraction was a small church that belonged to the Carmelite monks. It has been repeatedly rebuilt, reconstructed, added and changed over the centuries. Despite the different styles used in architecture and decoration details, the building harmoniously decorates the city streets.
The Basilica is a place of pilgrimage for parishioners from all over Italy. There are many religious shrines and relics here. Tourists are attracted by the famous statue "Madonna di Trapani". Its creator is the greatest Italian sculptor of the XIV century Nino Pisano.
Business cards of the city
On a tiny cape in front of the entrance to the harbor of the port of Trapani, the octagonal castle-fortress of Castello Colombaia rises mysteriously and lonely. Its history is as mysterious as the history of the city. The exact date of appearance and the first owners are unknown. But in the turbulent course of time, the building got a lot. To this day, the fortress, like a calling card, welcomes tourists arriving from the sea.
Another unusual feature of the city is the salt works located on the waterfront. This fishery was started by the Phoenicians. And now the system of small reservoirs is filled with water, after evaporation of which salt is formed. Only the mills are no longer needed, but they decorate the promenade and give the appearance of the city charm and individuality.
There is a small but very interesting Salt Museum here. It is visited with pleasure by tourists, tired of the beach doing nothing.
Speaking of beaches. It is here that one of the best beaches in Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo, is located. He tops the rating of many travel agencies in Italy. Three kilometers of the finest gentle sand border turquoise-transparent waters. Smooth depth, lack of underwater currents, comfort and cleanliness have made it a favorite vacation spot for families with children, lovers of bliss and peace.
The western and eastern parts of the beaches are appreciated by fans of the wild beauty of the sea. Reefs, rocks, underwater caves and cliffs provide an opportunity for extreme recreation. Those wishing to retire are offered boat trips to tiny coastal islands.
In the towns of Marausa and San Giuliano, near Trapani, there are two more city beaches. Both of them are called Lido and are great for families. Contrary to the ratings, the townspeople consider their beaches to be the best of the best.
The charm of Trapani
Even those tourists who come to this corner of Italy for the sake of magnificent beaches cannot but admire the beauty of the city. What is one street Corso Vittorio Emmanuele. Almost every building along it is unique in its own way and cannot but arouse admiration. Palazzo della Giudecca, the Church of Purgatorio, the Cathedral, Palazzo Cavarretta: each of them wants to be seen not only from the outside, but to admire the interior decoration.
Not far from the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Agostino Pepoli Museum, famous throughout Italy. Many of its exhibits have no analogues in the world and were presented to the museum by private collectors. Rare in its beauty, the exposition is devoted to products made from coral, majolica, precious metals and alloys.
The inhabitants of Trapani throughout Italy are famous for their coral processing skills. Cult objects, picture frames, jewelry in their hands become works of art. Moreover, corals are not easily processed, but decorated with mother-of-pearl, silver, gold, lapis lazuli.
Tastes could not be discussed
All entertainment in the city is "delicious" and interesting in its own way. Only here, for four hundred years in a row, the Procession of the Mysteries has been taking place. On Good Friday, sculptural compositions dedicated to different types of crafts are carried through the streets. All this is very colorful and fun. Thousands of tourists try to get to this unusual holiday.
In July, opera lovers come from all over Italy. The festival held here is famous throughout Sicily. This wonderful tradition has been going on for over 50 years.
In August, the city blossoms with the bright colors of St. Albert's Day. The patron of the city, judging by the well-being of local residents, perfectly fulfills his functions. Therefore, the townspeople spare no time and effort to organize a colorful festival.
A special pride is the September Couscous Festival. This dish, quite popular in Italy, is prepared by local chefs in a special way. There are echoes of the Arab presence. Another great culinary tradition: seafood dishes. Could it be otherwise in a port city. Restaurants, cafes, trattorias are at every step. "Bread and circuses", the beach and impressions will give the wonderful resort of Trapani in Italy.
On the seashore, it is known as the city of sea salt and sailing regattas. The prosperity of Trapani in all ages was provided by the port, through which goods entered the city and passenger traffic was carried out with other parts of Italy and foreign countries. The economy of Trapani was based on the extraction of sea salt, winemaking, fishing and tourism.
Trapani is often called the city of two seas, because it is washed by the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian seas. Trapani has the shape of a sickle, which from a mythological point of view is explained by the fact that the god Saturn dropped a sickle from his hands, which fell on the place where the city was later founded. The first settlement was named Drepanon which means in ancient Greek "sickle".
Between the 9th and 8th centuries. BC. Trapani was under Punic influence, speaking on the side of Carthage during military conflicts. Already in those days, numerous fortifications were built around the city. Drepanon (Trapani) and Lilybaeum (Marsala) were the last stronghold of the Carthaginians in Sicily.
In 241 BC The Romans inflicted a crushing defeat on the Carthaginian fleet. The conquered city began to be called in the Roman manner Drepanum. But its inhabitants resisted the invader for a long time, which led to a period of decline and population decline.
After the Romans, Trapani was ruled by the Vandals, then by Byzantium, in the 9th century the Arabs came, who were replaced in 1077 by the Normans under the command of Ruggiero II. A period of prosperity and well-being began, the city developed commercially and culturally. During the Middle Ages, the port of Trapani became one of the most important in the Mediterranean, along with Genoa, Pisa, Venice and Amalfi.
After a short period under the control of the Angevins, Trapani took an active part in the uprising "Sicilian Vespers", and in 1282 came under the rule of the Aragonese. In the XIV-XV centuries. the city grew and developed, becoming one of the most important economic and political centers of the western part of Sicily.
The 17th century brought Trapani decline, poverty gave rise to uprisings, and a plague epidemic raged. In the XVIII century, the situation stabilized, the population increased dramatically. In the 18th century, the time came for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, which ended with the unification of Italy in 1860. After the First World War, Trapani experienced an economic boom. During the Second World War, the port was activated and the city was subjected to a series of bombardments, during which the historical quarters were damaged. After the war, Trapani slowly recovered, the industrial and commercial activities of the city were restored.
Modern Trapani is an attractive place from a tourist point of view, where people come in search of magnificent beaches, delicious cuisine and authentic wines.
Trapani is divided into the historical center and the modern part.
Via Ammiraglio Staiti and viale Regina Elena pass through the port area. Corso Vittorio Emanuele and via Libertá are the main transport links from the historic center to the north of the city. Part of corso Vittorio Emanuele, vie Torrearsa and Garibaldi are entirely pedestrian.
Modern Trapani appeared at the end of the 19th century, its main road is via Giovan Battista Fardella.
Five towers outlined the city core, unfortunately, not all of them have survived to this day.
From the railway station we will walk along via Osorio, which rests on via XXX Gennaio. After a few meters turn right onto a narrow via Giudecca and find ourselves in the Jewish quarter. Further down the street is the Palazzo Giudecca, built in the 16th century and recognizable by its towering turret. The palace belonged to the Chambra family. Jews appeared in Sicily at the end of the 6th century; during the Norman domination, they felt protected and completely safe. In 1310, Frederick II of Aragon restricted the freedom of the Jews, forced them to mark their clothes with a certain sign and forbade any contact with the rest of the population. Quite a lot of Jews lived in Trapani, usually the Jewish community was called "giudecca". In the late Middle Ages, each of them had political and economic autonomy.
Turn left and exit Corso Italia- an avenue along which square houses rise, with shops and cafes on the ground floors, you can look into one of the fish shops generously scattered around Trapani.
Fish shop in Trapani
Corso Italia leads to Church of St. Augustine (Sant "Agostino), go around the temple, going to the front part, located on piazzetta Saturno. The temple was erected in the XIV century. Its façade is adorned with a magnificent rose window. Near the church there is a fountain of Saturn (XIV century), which adjoins the wall of the house.
The area goes to , along which luxurious palaces are located. But we will turn left, towards the embankment. Then turn right to viale Regina Elena and we will reach the port. The promenade of Trapani is wide and spacious, there is a port and a magnificent view of the sea.
At the opposite end of the cape one can see Ligny Tower (Torre Ligny), which was erected in 1671 by order of Viceroy Claudio La Moraldo, Prince of Ligny. Now there is a museum of the prehistoric era.
Linyi Tower
Let's turn on via Ranuncoli and we'll get to Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
At the beginning, the avenue looks quite simple, but closer to the center there are ancient palaces with wrought-iron balconies and stone entrance portals.
Palazzo Alessandro Ferro, built in the 16th century, which is decorated with a characteristic clock in the center and balconies with medallions in which members of the Ferro dynasty are placed.
Palazzo Berardo Ferro was built in the 18th century in the late Baroque style.
The Epifanio Marini Palace is made in the neoclassical style.
Next is Cathedral dedicated to Saint Lorenzo.The exact date of foundation of the church is unknown, in the XII century it definitely existed and was dedicated to St. George - the last patron of the Republic of Genoa. Merchants from Genoa often came here and stayed for a long time in Trapani, because the commercial activity was well established. In the XIII century, when the Aragonese came to power, the Palazzo quarter was divided into two parts, which were named after the churches present there, i.e. San Francesco and San Lorenzo.
The Church of St. Lorenzo has been repeatedly restored and rebuilt.
The facade is made in the Baroque style and dates back to the 18th century, at the same time there was a beautiful dome, a portico with a bell tower and other changes that have survived to this day.
The interior of the church was also completely renovated in the 18th century. Inside there is a valuable painting "Crucifixion" by Van Dyck (1646), as well as numerous other works of art.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele rests on the street already known to us . The luxurious Palazzo Senatorio immediately attracts the eye. The owner of the palace was Giacomo Cavarretta. The Palazzo was built in 1672 by the architect Andrea Palma. Subsequently, a number of changes were made: at the beginning of the 18th century, statues of the Madonna and saints were installed on the facade, in 1827 a clock and a calendar were added. Now the city government sits here. Adjacent to the palazzo is a tower with an astronomical clock, towering above the entrance gate - the port of Oscura. This is the most ancient entrance to the city, of the four that existed, only one gate remained.
Let's go through towards the sea. The street ends Fish Market Square - piazza Mercato del Pesce embraced by the colonnade. The old fish market has been restored, they write that it hosts various cultural events. But on ordinary days it looks abandoned and deserted. And the current market moved to Piazza Scalo D "Alaggio.
Trapani has a long tradition of tuna fishing. To date, the Trapani fleet is the fourth in Sicily.
In the XV-XVI centuries. Trapani was famous for its coral and silverware. The Pepoli Museum houses magnificent statues, necklaces and other jewelry made from coral. Now coral mining has almost completely stopped, but jewelry and costume jewelry with corals are sold in stores.
Another iconic landmark of Trapani is not in the city center, but at some distance from it, on via Pepoli Agostino Conte.
Officially called the Basilica of St. Mary, it received this name in honor of the valuable marble statue that is kept within its walls. The first temple on this site was erected in 1250, later it was expanded and rebuilt. The Madonna and Child carved in marble by Nino Pisano in the 14th century is revered throughout the Mediterranean.
The 17-columned nave was completed in 1742 by a local Baroque architect. A rose window adorns the façade. The entrance to the chapel of the Madonna of Trapi was made in the form of a monumental arch in 1531-37. During the feast of the Madonna, which falls on Passion Week, a procession will take place.
The church houses numerous relics.
The church belongs to the Carmelite monastery, most of which is occupied by the Agostino Pepoli Museum, also called the "Treasures of the Madonna". In front of the Basilica is the garden of Villa Pepoli.
Trapani is famous for salt mining and Marsala wine production.
Worth to visit
