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 first, before heading inside the church.  It is possible to walk to the top of the bell tower, and I recommend doing that, as the views from there are spectacular.  The tower was built at the end of the 13th century, by Frederick III of Aragon.  There are 108 steps up to the top, so, take your time!

After a few minutes spent at the top of the bell tower, we headed back down, and into the church itself.  The church, built on the site of an earlier religious building dating from the 4th century, dates from 1314, and was designed by the architect, Antonio Musso.

The Cappella di Sant’Isidoro Agricola houses the painting of “Sant’Isidoro Agricola,” by Orazio Ferrari, which dates from 1622.

The Cappella della Vergine Assunta holds the sculpture of the “Madonna Assunta,” by Domenico Gagini, which dates from 1469.

The cross, suspended over the main altar, is an example of Sicilian silver work dating from the 15th century.  The monumental altarpiece, against the far wall, was a collaboration between Bartolomeo Berrettaro, his brother-in-law, Antonello Di Battista, and others.

Next up: We continue exploring the Real Chiesa Madrice Insigne Collegiata, with a visit to the Treasury of the Royal Cathedral!

<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Erice, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!</em>