There is a town called Trapani, which tourists really like. Yes, and for good reason!
Trapani is a small town located in the northwest. This amazingly beautiful city is located at the very foot of the mountain. Erice. Trapani has a very rich history, so it has many historical monuments and world famous attractions.
If you go to Trapani for the first time in your life, then you should start your trip from the most important monument of the city - the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was built in the 14th century, during the reign of the Aragon dynasty. This unique architectural monument combines two styles: Renaissance and Gothic. In the middle of the Sanctuary you can see the priceless and well-known statue of the Madonna and Child in her arms, which was created by the sculptor Nino Pisano.
After visiting the Sanctuary, you should definitely go to the Papoli Regional Museum. It contains unique exhibits from the Roman and Greek eras, as well as a delightful art gallery. Many of the exhibits in the museum are gifts from Count Papoli. Tourists will also be interested in looking at the exhibition, which is dedicated to the craft of the ancient inhabitants of Trapani - coral processing.
On the main street of Trapani is the delightful Giudecca Palace, which simply attracts tourists with its richly decorated walls, windows, tower and arch. And if you go a little further, you can find yourself on Vittorio Boulevard. This boulevard is surrounded by estates from the 18th and 19th centuries. and if you walk to the end of the street, you simply must visit the Church of Purgatorio. In it, tourists can look at the statues that serve as an attribute during the Holy Week processions.
If you have time, be sure to visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Church of St. Francis. In the church, the tombstones with inscriptions in Latin and Armenian are noteworthy; they contain the ashes of the Armenian inhabitants who lived in Trapani.
Saltworks of Trapani
And of course you can’t visit Trapani without visiting the saltworks. They are located on the embankment and are easy to find if you walk down the main street. The Phoenicians began mining “white gold” in Trapani, who created the simplest and most effective salt production. The basis of this production is still used today. To get a closer look at the production, you can visit the famous Salt Museum. It is here that you can look at the symbol of Trapani - ancient windmills that used to pump water and grind salt. Now their beauty complements the amazingly beautiful landscape of this place.
It is hardly possible to describe in a few lines all the places in Trapani that are worthy of visiting. This is only a small part of them; in order to see more, you need to stay in Trapani for more than one week. But the feeling that not everything has been seen will bring you back to this city more than once. It's easy to fall in love with Trapani, but you'll never be able to stop loving him.
Palermo - capital of Sicily
But first you need to get there from Palermo - railway transport is almost unsuitable, since there are only two flights from Palermo Central Station (very inconvenient in time), and the rest of the trains arrive at stations on the outskirts of Palermo. It's also very inconvenient.
Buses start early in the morning and run frequently. Travel time is about 2 hours.
Here is the schedule for summer 2016
Palermo-Trapani - 06.00 - 07.55., 06.30 - 08.25., 07.00 - 08.55., 08.00 - 09.55., etc. until evening
Return flights from Trapani - 05.32., 05.47., 06.02., 06.12., 06.22., 06.42., 07.02., 07.32., 08.02., 08.32., 09.02... etc. the last one from Trapani at 20.02.
One-way tickets cost 9.60 euros, and if you take a round trip, then -15.10 euros.
The photo shows the platform from which we leave Palermo at the Central Railway Station. We buy tickets at the ticket office building in front of the platform.
The bus station in Trapani is located on the right side of the train station, 50 meters
Pictured is Trapani railway station
To the right of it is the bus station - in the photo
Bus tickets are sold in the cafe inside this bus station. The cafe opens at 06.00 am.
I had to leave Trapani early in the morning at 05.47 for Palermo.
I was leaving from this stop in the photo, which is located in front of the train station. station
Near the stop there is a sign with the bus name and schedule
Tickets to Palermo must be bought in a cafe - right opposite this stop - this is the cafe and the entrance is opposite the stop
But early in the morning it was closed and the bus driver boarded me without a ticket (a ticket can only be purchased on the day of the trip), and when we left the city, he stopped several times at stops where the bus picked up passengers and near one stop there was a cafe , which was already working, the driver sent me there and I bought a ticket and drove on. So keep in mind - this is who will be leaving Trapani early
Trapani is the capital of the province of the same name, located on the western coast of Sicily and washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Currently, Trapani is still an important fishing port and a leader in the salt industry. Sea salt in Trapani is still mined using traditional methods; it is for this reason that Trapani salt is considered one of the most prestigious, as it retains useful microelements. Many tourists purchase local salt, both for themselves and as gifts.
Trapani is a small town and is not currently very popular among tourists. However, tourism is gradually growing, all thanks to the city's proximity to such popular destinations as Erice, Segesta, and the Aegadian Islands. However, those who decide to stay in the center of Trapani for a day or two will not be bored; the city has a small historical center with attractions and an interesting promenade.
Beaches of Trapani
A large part of the city's coastline is occupied by the port. There are no good beaches in the city center. However, there are several sections of the coastline designated for beach holidays. Lido Paradiso is a fully equipped paid beach with: changing cabins, sun loungers and parasols, adult and children's pools, a cafe, bar, pizzeria, shower and toilet, and in the evening there are discos on the beach.
Next to Lido Paradiso there is a small sandy area - a free beach without amenities.
Above the beach line there is a road and a walking area
In addition, residents and guests of the city sunbathe and swim almost wherever they can find them. Although the city’s coast is not suitable for such purposes.
Outside the center there are a couple of good beaches, for example, the public beach of San Giuliano beach, located 3 kilometers from the historical part of Trapani. The beach is quite long and sandy, the beach has all the necessary beach infrastructure, there are designated places for sports games, and there are several cafes.
On both sides of San Giuliana beach there are rocky outcrops on which attractions are located. On the south side of the beach there is the historical monument Tonnara San Giuliano, on the north there are windmills (mulino a vento). Windmills are one of the symbols of Trapani, which can be seen in various places around the city. Now the mills are no longer operational and are simply part of the local landscape.
The best beach in the province of Trapani and one of the best in Sicily is the beach of San Vito Lo Capo, located 32 kilometers from the center of Trapani. You can get to the beach by direct bus from the center of Trapani. We told you in detail about San Vito beach earlier, read and see photos.
Historical center of Trapani
The historical center of Trapani, where the main attractions of the city are concentrated, is located on the so-called “nose of the city” - a part of the land extending into the sea.
This area has old buildings, churches and narrow, colorful streets. The center is small and can easily be explored in a few hours.
The main tourist streets of the historical center are Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via G. Garibaldi. During the holiday season, these streets are always crowded; there are cafes and restaurants, as well as bars and souvenir shops.
Via Vittorio Emanuele
Garibaldi Street
Main attractions of Trapani
One of the main attractions of Trapani is the majestic complex Cathedral of the Annunciation, which includes:
Main hall of the Cathedral of Santuario Maria SS. Annunziata;
The small basilica-sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also known as Madonna Di Trapani/Maria SS Annunziata, where the holy of holies is located - a marble statue of the Madonna of Trapani with a child in her arms;
And the Agostino Pepoli Museum (Museo Regionale Conte Agostino Pepoli). This ancient monastery is now the "Regional Museum of Agostino Pepoli" and one of the most important Sicilian museums. It should be noted that it is an educational and interesting place, we recommend visiting it.
Three main dominants are concentrated on Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Palace of the Senators or Cavarretta(Palazzo Senatorio - Palazzo Cavarretta) is one of the most recognizable places in Trapani. The facade of the building is made in the Baroque style, it is decorated with marble statues, as well as a massive clock and calendar.
Near Baroque church Chiesa del Collegio dei Gesuiti
And, the main church of Trapani - Cathedral of San Lorenzo(Cattedrale di San Lorenzo Martire). The façade of this baroque church with a tall, narrow bell tower stands out among the narrow streets of the historical center and immediately catches the eye.
Also in the historical center you can see
ChurchPurgatorio(Chiesa Anime Sante del Purgatorio). One of the many historical and most beautiful churches of Trapani, but this is not what makes the church unique, but what it hides inside. This 17th-century church is home to the Mysteri, 20 wooden displays depicting scenes from Christ's Passion. Some are original, dating back to the 18th century, while others are reproductions replacing those that have been broken or damaged throughout their history. Every year on Good Friday, these images are raised by various guilds on large platforms and carried in a festive procession throughout the city.
The festival "Procession of the Sacraments" or "Procession of the Mysteries" is a religious procession that takes place annually in Trapani on the Friday before Catholic Easter. The procession starts at 14:00 from the Church of Purgatorio, passes through all the most important streets of the city and ends the next day on Saturday at 12:00. The procession is accompanied by orchestras, as well as residents and guests of the city.
Near the church there is an old fish market area(Piazza Mercato del Pesce), made in the shape of a semicircle and decorated with numerous arches. Sometimes public events are held in the square, while on normal days the market looks more abandoned and deserted than attended.
Originates from the fishing square old embankment, on which the remains of fortifications are located (Bastione Conca).
In the westernmost part of the city, between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Strait of Sicily, there is Linyi Watchtower(Torre Ligny), considered one of the symbols of Trapani. The tower was erected in 1671 during Spanish rule in Sicily to protect the city from attacks by Barbary pirates. The tower has the shape of a quadrangle tapering towards the top. Currently, the tower houses a museum, entrance fee is 1 euro.
Badia Nuova Church with an interesting interior decoration, different from other churches in Trapani.
Two small churches nearby: San Domenico(Chiesa San Domenico) and Rosariello(Chiesa del Rosariello) are inconspicuous in appearance, but their architecture is so characteristic of small towns in Sicily.
Small Saturn fountain(Fontana di Saturno), built in 1342 and nearby Church of Sant'Agostino(Saint Agostino).
In Piazza Vittorio Emanuele there is a rather large, but seemingly abandoned, Triton fountain(Fontana di Tritone), built in 1890, and the bronze monument in the center of the fountain dates from 1951. Opposite the fountain - statue of Vittorio Emanuele II.
Near the square there is a small green Park Villa Margherita with places to relax and playgrounds.
Events, holidays, activities of the province of Trapani
In July, a summer opera festival is held in the Villa Margherita park. Also in July, Marsala hosts a swordfish festival. On August 7, Trapani celebrates the Day of the city's Patron Saint, St. Albert, and on August 16, the day of the city's co-patron, the Madonna of Trapani. In September, the most famous culinary festival (gastronomic festival) - the CousCous Fest - is held on a grand scale in San Vito Lo Capo; for this purpose, pavilions are set up on the main streets of the resort.
What to see around Trapani
In the vicinity of Trapani, you should pay attention to the medieval city frozen in time on the mountain - Erice, where a lot of ancient attractions are concentrated, narrow streets and small squares, a green park and steep cliffs, basilicas and museums, castles and gorgeous panoramic views from the mountain. You can find a detailed article about Erice and how to get from the center of Trapani to Erice.
8 kilometers from the city center, towards Marsala, you can see salt marshes of Trapani, visiting the Saline di Nubia Nature Reserve and/or the Salt Museum. And from the port of Trapani take a boat excursion to Aegadian Islands, which are a group of five small mountainous islands located on the northwestern coast of Sicily, near the cities of Trapani and Marsala, with a total area of 37.45 square kilometers.
Where to stay in Trapani
The hotel chain in Trapani is quite well represented. Here you can find various options: from budget to quite luxurious. If you come to see the sights, then it is more convenient to choose accommodation closer to the historical center. All accommodation facilities in Trapani are available.
How to get to Trapani
16 kilometers from the center of Trapani is the Vincenzo Florio Trapani International Airport or, as it is also called, Trapani Birgi (Aeroporto Vincenzo Florio Trapani Birgi/TPS). Trapani Birgi Airport accepts both local (from Italy) and international flights, including from European countries, but there are no direct flights from Russia to this airport. During the tourist season, direct planes from Russia fly to Palermo airport. Chip flights .
You can get from Trapani and Palermo airports to the center of Trapani by direct buses or taxis. You can order a taxi/transfer in advance, from home. At any time of the day, at the airport, a driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name and surname written on it. To order a taxi, just provide your flight details!
Photos of the streets of the historical center of Trapani
It is a port city built on a narrow cape washed by the waters of the Strait of Sicily and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Trapani is interesting for its old town with a majestic cathedral and many palazzos. In addition, it is worth seeing the Jewish quarter, where local Jews lived until the 15th century. This ghetto contains the Palazzo Ciambra-Giudecc, built during Aragonese rule. 3 km east of the cathedral, it is worth seeing the Basilica of the Annunciation with the miraculous statue of the Virgin Mary by Nino Pisano. All the city's attractions can be easily seen on foot.
It's best to come to the city before Easter to see Procession of the sacraments (Processione dei misteri di Trapani), whose history goes back over 400 years. The procession starts at 14:00 on Good Friday (the Friday before Easter) and ends 24 hours later. The holiday is rooted in traditions, in particular. The procession consists of 20 groups of believers. They walk along the central streets of the city from the Church of Souls to Purgatory, carrying large wooden platforms with sculptural compositions on the theme of the Passion of Christ. Each group is a community of artisans or a religious brotherhood. Along with the procession are brass bands, children in costumes carrying flowers, flags and Christian symbols, and just men and women with large candles.
Getting to Trapani
In Trapani by public transport:
You can get to Trapani by train or bus from and other cities. Near the city is the Trapani-Birgi International Airport or Vincenzo Florio Airport.
By plane:
There is a small airport nearby, 15 km from the city center.
Airport: Vincenzo Florio Airport (IATA: TPS) or Trapani-Birgi Airport.
Airlines:
- Ryanair (Beauvais, Brussels/Charleroi, Hahn, Malta, / -Orio al Serio, . Seasonal flights: Ancona, Billund, Cuneo, Eindhoven, Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden, Kraków, Leipzig/Halle, London-Luton, Maastricht, Memmingen, Stockholm-Skavsta, Tampere, .)
- Alitalia
- Air One (Milan).
From Trapani airport:
- There is an AST bus from the airport to Trapani: ticket 2 €, approx. 40 minutes journey, departure every 45 minutes. Schedule
- There is a bus from Trapani airport to Palermo: 11 €, 2 hours travel time. 5 - 7 flights per day. Children under 5 years old are free. Schedule . Route .
- From Trapani airport to Marsala - bus. Schedule . Route
By train:
Regular trains from (Trapani - terminal, travel time - 2-3 hours (with a change in Alcamo) or by direct train 3.5 4 hours), some of which stop in Segesta. Also trains to the cities of Marsala, Mazara del Vallo and Castelvetrano (to the ruins of Selinunte).
Trapani railway station is located approximately 1 km east of the cathedral.
By bus:
- (9.60 €, 1:55 on the way, Segesta Autolinee S.p.A.)
- Marsala- Bus Trapani - Agrigento, 50 minutes on the way. Schedule .
- Mazara del Vallo,
- Alcamo (6.20 €, 1 hour travel, Segesta Autolinee S.p.A.),
- Sciacca - 1.15 on the way, departure 9:00, 12:40, 16:20. Schedule . Or .
- (schedule - 9:00, 12:40, 16:20, 2.5 hours on the way). Schedule PDF.
- Palermo Airport: at 10:45 and 16:45 (from the stop Via Amm. Staiti,13 - PORTO (CAPOLINEA)) (1:10 on the way, 10.00 €).
- - direct buses every 2 days, departure at 15:30, arrival at 6:15, 33 euros one way.
Buses around the city: 12 bus routes.
Tickets: €1.20 - single ticket for 90 minutes. If you buy on board the bus, it is €0.20 more expensive. You can buy tickets at the box office or tobacco/newsstands.
On the ship:
There is a port here from where regular boats depart to the Aegadian Islands. Night ferries go to Pantelleria, and there is a ferry to Tunis about once a week.
SIREMAR and Ustica Lines companies.
By car:
Highway A29 - East - Trapani -
SS115 -south - Trapani - Marsala and Mazara del Vallo
Parking:
Large parking lots in Trapani are located in the historical center in Piazza V. Emanuele and Via Isola Zavorra.
At the port parking in Piazza Scalo d'Alaggio, Via Catulo Lutazio.
Parking costs:
- € 0.70 / hour for parking up to 10 hours.
- € 7.00 - from 10 to 24 hours.
History of Trapani
The emergence of the city is associated with a legend according to which the goddess Ceres dropped her sickle. At this place, on a narrow curved cape at the foot of Mount Erice, a mountain called Drepanon arose.
In the 13th century BC. the city belonged to the Elimians - one of the nationalities that inhabited the western part. Later the city passed into the hands of the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, who turned it into an important port.
In 242 BC. In the Battle of Egadi, the city was conquered by the Romans, led by the consul Gauius Lutatius Catulus, losing their autonomy. After the collapse of the Roman Empire into eastern and western, Drepanon remained under the rule of Constantinople.
The current name of the city was given by the Arabs, who captured it in the 9th century. They called him Itràbinis, Tarabanis and Trapanesch. In 1077, Trapani was conquered by the Normans under the leadership of Count Roger I. The city began to actively develop, becoming one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean in the Middle Ages. Representative offices of all the main maritime cities of that time were located in the port: , .
In 1280 the city came under power, and in the 14th and 15th centuries the expanded city became the main political and economic center of the West.
In the 17th century, after numerous riots, famine and plague, Trapani began to decline. The city changed hands several more times: in 1713 - to the Dukes of Savoy, in 1720 - to Austria, in 1738 - to the Bourbons, who did a lot to restore the city, ruling it until 1860. In 1861, the city became part of the united Kingdom of Italy.
The production of olive oil, wine and salt mining allowed the city to develop rapidly after the First World War. World War II brought bombing by the Allied forces. The city fell into disrepair and slowly recovered throughout the second half of the 20th century, suffering from earthquakes (1968) and floods (1965, 1976). Despite the troubles, in the 90s Trapani had already become a famous tourist center.
Sights of Trapani
Trapani Map
Traditional cuisine of Sicily:
- Salsiccia pasqualora– traditional homemade pork sausage.
- Busiati - a local version of pasta, traditionally served in tomato sauce with fried zucchini or eggplant, or with fried fish.
- Gnocculi - pasta in the form of dumplings.
The pasta here is often seasoned with local sauce " pesto alla trapanese “, here, chopped almonds (instead of pine nuts), tomatoes and grated pecorino cheese are added to the traditional pesto of basil, olive oil, garlic.
Since this is a port city, seafood dishes are popular here: pasta with seafood, pasta with lobster broth, seasoned with tomato sauce and spices, spaghetti with tuna caviar.
- Cuscus alla trapanese - From the period of Arab rule, a legacy remained in the form of “couscous from Trapani” made from crushed semolina. But unlike the traditional Arabic version, Trapani couscous is prepared with fish soup, cooked from several types of fish and seafood.
- Raù ri tunnu - tuna stew with garlic and mint leaves.
- Glinvultina a trapanisa - veal rolls
- Falsomagro - chop stuffed with minced meat, eggs, cheese, garlic and parsley
- Jaddina cunsata - boiled chicken with herbs and spices
Sweets and baked goods:
- Cannoli - traditional crispy waffle cannoli rolls filled with whipped mascarpone or ricotta cheese with the addition of syrups or liqueurs.
- Sfincia di San Giuseppe - pancakes with honey and ricotta, served on March 19, St. Jacob,
- Giurgiulena – a traditional dessert prepared for Christmas - sesame nougat with honey, almonds and candied fruits.
Trapani, the city of salt and wind, is famous above all 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 to the top for amazing views. 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 Arabic alleys, beautiful churches, luxurious palaces, museums, fountains, buildings of military-strategic importance and other historical monuments.
We'll go 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 imposing yet 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 there is a breathtaking view of Cape San Vito, Marsala and. In the west, the Aegadian Islands and the small island of Formica open up to the eye. The tower was built in 1671 by order of the Spanish governor Claudio La Moraldo to protect the city from Turkish raids. The fortress was named after the Prince of Ligny and consisted of four towers with lights, which also served as a maritime signal. Today it is the seat of the Anthropological Museum (Museo Civico Anthropologico). This is a great place for various summer events and interesting exhibitions. On the north side of the tower there is a small section of beach. You can get here via a pedestrian road leading from the city.
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 Colombai Castle, built on a small island in the eastern part of the port. Its second name Castello di mare(Sea Castle) or Torre Peliade(Peliad Tower). Today's name Colombaia comes from the name of the island in Greek, 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.
Not only the location of the castle is impressive, but also its thousand-year history. The first defensive tower of the castle was erected in 260 BC. and witnessed great naval battles between the Romans and Carthaginians. This is one of the best examples of military architecture in Sicily.
Address: Isola Colombaia, Trapani (TP), Italy
How to get there:
3. Mura di Tramontana (Sunset Wall)
Spanish rule left behind a beautiful wall built to protect the city from enemy attack. 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 one preserved of the four that made up the urban core that characterized Trapani in antiquity. They are located in the historical 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.
Address: Via Torre Arsa, 47, 91100 Trapani TP, Italy
Telephone: +39 0923 544533
5. Palazzo della Giudecca (Giudecca Palace)
In the heart of the Jewish Quarter, Trapani houses one of the finest examples of the Plateresque style (Spanish form of Gothic) in Sicily - the Giudecca Palace. This elegant building with a beautiful facade was purchased by the Ciambra family in the first half of the 16th century. They changed the facade by 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 adjacent tower, considered one of the five depicted on the city emblem. Inside the palace there is a garden with beautiful windows made with elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Address: Via Giudecca 25/59, 91100, Trapani, Sicilia
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 spans numerous events, including restoration and expansion by order of Count Ruggero D'Altavilla in 1076. In 1775, the church had the structure of a basilica with five naves, making it unique of its kind in Trapani. However, what makes the church unique are the numerous works preserved in it, such as Carrara’s painting of Christ calling St. Andrew the 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 working on the organ.
It is one of the most complex instruments built in Europe, consisting of seven keyboards for 12 hands. It produces sound effects of brass, fanfare, cymbals, trumpets, oboe, saxophones and bassoon, as well as string instruments such as the violin. And, as they say, it even reproduces the human voice.
Address: Largo San Pietro, 91100, Trapani, Sicilia, Italy
7. Chiesa di Sant’Agostino (Church of St. Augustine)
Former Templar chapel, dedicated in 1101 to John the Baptist. The main facade of the church is decorated with a Gothic “rosette”, left over from the time of 1101, and the apse, destroyed by bombing in 1943, was rebuilt. The church is located on Piazzetta Saturno, a few steps from the main avenue - Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
8. Palazzo della Vicaria (Vicar's Palace)
The palace arose in 1820 on a previously existing complex of houses belonging to the Society of Jesus. It is also called “Palazzo dell'ex carcere”– the palace of a former prison, since this was its purpose until 1965. Today the palace is used for exhibitions and cultural meetings.
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 facade 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 primarily 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 Christ”. For 400 years, the church has maintained the tradition and held 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 the 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 to begin their journey to the walls of Tramontana. The square is home to numerous cultural and gastronomic events, including the international street trading festival Stragusto.
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 a 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 located 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 cathedral of Trapani. Its construction dates back to 1421 under the orders of Alfonso Magnanimo of the Aragonese dynasty. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone many changes and reconstructions, and only reached its current appearance in the 18th century, when a restructuring took place under the leadership of the architect Giovanni Biagio Amico. In his project, Giovanni created the side chapels, the dome, the bell tower and the facade. 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
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, covers 21,000 m² and has 4 entrances. It received its name in honor of Queen Margaret of Savoy. The park has a pond where geese, ducks, black and white swans live; aviaries with various types of birds, hazel grouse, parrots. Along the main avenue there are Doric columns that are part of the destroyed Garibaldi Theater. From the end of the 19th century until today, every summer, the piazzale dei Ficus hosts operatic concerts performed by Ente luglio Musicale Trapanese.
