Page 501 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

THE FUNIERICE CABLE CAR TO ERICE

Even if it weren’t the quickest means to reach Erice – far more convenient than
driving or catching a bus – the Funierice cable car (funivia) ride from Trapani
would be worth the excursion. In fact the ascent, which takes about twelve minutes,
constitutes one of the region’s most memorable experiences, revealing a gradually
expanding panorama that extends over the flat saltpans to the south, the mountainous
coast north, and out over the narrow limb that holds the old city to the Egadi Islands
and the blue sea beyond. By night, the scene is very different, with Trapani’s lights

sparkling under a starry sky.

From the Trapani terminal on Via Caserta, departures are continuous (Mon 1–
8pm, Tues–Fri 8.10am–8pm, Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm; funiviaerice.it),
with tickets costing €5.50 one-way, €9 return. Note that the service may be
cancelled if it’s windy, in which case you’ll have to take the AST bus from the stop
on Via G.B. Fardella. Check whether the service is operating on 0923 869 720.

Driving to the cable-car station on Via Caserta, at the extreme eastern end of the
modern city, is not straightforward: from the old centre, follow Via G.B. Fardella
east, bear left at Corso Mattarella, keep straight along this and its continuation Via
Manzoni (following signs for Erice), and turn left at the end into Via Fratelli Aiuto,
from which it’s a right turn into Via Caserta and the large car park. It’s simpler by

bus: take #21 or #23 from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele (direction Ospedale S. Antonio
Abbate) and get off at the stop before the hospital, from where it’s a short walk.

Brief history

Founded by Elymians, who claimed descent from the Trojans, the city was known to
the ancient world as Eryx. A magnificent temple, dedicated to Aphrodite Erycina,

Mediterranean goddess of fertility, once topped the mountain and was big enough to