Trapani Town

Trapani, in the province of Trapani, Sicily, is one of the most romantic places in the Mediterranean. It is characterised by long stretches of coast and coastal plains, lavish monuments and palaces, ancient sites, windmills, islands, quaint provincial towns and countryside that beg to be explored. By night, the region should be enjoyed over a glass of chilled wine and food in a beachside restaurant ideally facing west so as to see some of the most spectacular sunsets in Europe.

Ancient history is brought to life alongside chic restuarants, shopping beside amazing architecture. Trapani is a sickle shaped peninsula, and is bordered on both sides by the two different seas. Trapani is a compact, modern city that centres around its main street via GB Fardella. Many of Trapani's places of interest are within walking distance of this area.

Visitors and residents alike head here for some superb shopping and restuarants especially around Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the Historic Quarter's pedestrian main street and the Palazzo Senatorio.

The city along with the coastal areas of the province, have miles of beaches where the watch towers of Torre Vecchia, Torre del Castello di Terra, Torre Pali, Torre di Posta Oscua or Del'Orlogio and numerous windmills dominate the skyline.

The shallow waters near the shore make it suitable for safe ,swimming, while further out, the sea is perfect for sailing around the islands. The Egadi Islands are all surrounded by protected marine national park and make it a wonderful site to Snorkel or Dive. On Levanzo Island there is also a very special seal colony that is really worth visiting.

Many of the favorite activites are based within the centro storico, from Dive shops to Sailing charter companies, local natural swimming & snorkelling spots at Torre di Ligny and beautiful sandy beaches with fully equipped Lidos.
Trapani is a very accesible town and makes the perfect place for a relaxing holiday in Sicily.

Take your holiday at your own pace, breakfast on delicate local pastries in one of the many lovely cafes on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Browse the markets for fresh local seafood and italy's finest fresh produce, or stroll amoung famous shops on the corso and stop for coffee in local cafes. Or spend the day reading and paddling by the sea. Or get active and try some of the amazing water sports from the Marina or from the beaches.

Trapani town has plenty to offer, and for those who wish to explore even just a little further there are also plenty of interesting places to visit very close by. Take the Cable car up to the beautiful hamlet of Erice high up on the mountain side overlooking Trapani and the Islands (see What is nearby? for more details), or catch the ferry for a quick 15 min cruise across to the beautiful Egadi islands. Hop on the train in Trapani, that will take you right into the heart of Palermo City in around 2 hours, and visit Sicily's beautiful capital without the hassle of traffic or parking.

Trapani's Centro Storico

The medieval districts of the old part of town are situated on the headland pointing out to sea. The tip was developed by the Spanish in the 14C (Quartiere Palazzo) and remodelled in the Baroque style later. The oldest section built in true Moorish fashion around a tight network of interconnecting narrow streets, stretches back along the peninsula; this would originally have been enclosed by walls.

Rua Grande– The second main thoroughfare inserted in the 13C (the modern Corso Vittorio Emanuele) stretches between elegant Baroque buildings such as the Palazzo Berardo Ferro (no. 86) and the Sede del Vescovado (Bishop’s Palace).

Rua Nova – Now named Via Garibaldi, the “New Road” was laid in the 13C by the Aragonese. Today, it is lined with fine 18C palazzi and churches including the statue crested Palazzo Riccio di Morana, Palazzo Milo and Badia Nova (Santa Maria del Soccorso) the interior of which is decorated with Baroque polychrome marble and two elaborate galleries supported by angels. Palazzo Burgio opposite is graced with a fine 16C doorway.

Via Torrearsa is lined with elegant shops to the left and leads down to the Pescheria on the right. Beyond the intersection, Via Garibaldi continues as Via Libertà, past the splendid Palazzo Fardello di Mokarta (the inner courtyard is enclosed within a portico and a round arch loggia) and Palazzo Melilli with its 16C doorway.

Cattedrale – The cathedral dedicated to St. Lawrence was erected in the 17C on the site of an earlier 14C building. The front elevation, put up a century later (1740), is a marvellous expression of the Baroque. Inside, it contains a number of paintings by Flemish artists: a Nativity (third chapel on the right), a Crucifixion and a Deposition (fourth chapel on the left).

Chiesa del Collegio – The 17C church has an imposing Mannerist façade ornamented with pilasters and female caryatid-figures.

Palazzo Senatorio (Cavaretta) – This lovely palazzo stands dramatically across the end of the street. Its elaborate façade rises through two orders of columns and statues up to a pair of large clocks. Alongside stands a 13C bell-tower.

Museo della Preistoria e di Archeologia Marina – The Torre di Ligny, built in 1671 as a defensive bastion on the tip of the “sickle” houses a collection of archeological artefacts; informative panels complete with illustrations outline the prehistoric era in Sicily. Most of the medieval objects are recovered from the many shipwrecks found nearby. Among the most interesting things on display are the Spanish amphorae. From the terrace at the top of the tower extends a fine view over the town and across to the Egadi Islands.