Return to Trapani photos

Sicily is not only the largest island in the Mediterranean, but its location in almost the center of the Sea has made it a meeting-place for civilizations since 8C BC. Its citizens have included Myceneans, Greeks (8-3C BC), Arabs (9-10C), Normans (11-12C). It is the home of Greek temples that are in some cases more complete than those in Greece. It is also the home of Mount Etna, one of the largest active volcanoes in the world. The land is volcanic, rocky, and not particularly productive for usual farm crops; nevertheless, Sicily produces more citrus fruits, nuts, and olive oil than it can profitably export. The social system is still feudal in many areas, and it cannot be denied that a Mafia system of some sort has great influence on the people of Sicily. The three major cities are Messina, Catania, and Palermo, all of which are probably the least attractive features of the island, despite some major historical architectural features such as churches, catacombs, etc.

Trapani, on the northwest coast, is not a typical "resort" town. It is a commercial center (chiefly salt, wine, and tuna) with 65,000 people. Because of its excellent marine position, it has always been important, although never large.

Just off the coast, a 20-minute hydrofoil ride away, are the Isole Egadi, or Aegadean Islands, home of the main tuna fishing areas. The islands of Favignana (villa shown here), Levanzo, and Marettimo are nice places to get away and do nothing.

Just 9 very steep kilometers out of Trapani is the magnificently situated ancient town of Erice (formerly Eryx). The city was occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, early Christians, Arabs, and Normans (1167). Many of the castles are still intact. Today, its 26,000 inhabitants have a very quiet home, far above Trapani, and quite often above the clouds.