On the left side of the cathedral, a small area houses the Tesoro di Erice: the church’s treasury of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other precious, religious items.  The number of artworks on display are few, but interesting, and one should set aside at least a few minutes, to spend here. Back in the main area…

During our stay in Erice, the only site open to tourists was the Real Chiesa Madrice Insigne Collegiata, or the Royal Cathedral of Erice.  Admission to the church is ticketed, meaning there is an admission price, but the ticket also allows access to the campanile, or bell tower, and so, we chose to visit that…

On our second day in Erice, we awoke to two surprises.  The first was the cloud that had settled right on top of the city.  At times, the fog was so thick that one could not even see a few feet in front of oneself.  The weather forecast called for rain for most of the…

The road leading to the Quartiere Spagnolo takes you along the old city walls.  The walk was peaceful and calming, as we had the place to ourselves. The Porta Spada is another of the ancient city gates, dating from the 8th century BC. Just past the Porta Spada, you will find the Chiesa di Sant’Orsola,…

A plaque on a building pays tribute to Giuseppe Pagoto, a much loved historian and educator, who was born in Erice in 1875.  The plaque adorns the facade of the building where he was born. The Palazzo Sales, at one point home to a religious monastery, is one of the newer buildings in the town….