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The mountain is to the east of Trapani and encompasses an area of 18.3 km2. The Lenzi River has its source on the mountain.[1]
The city of Erice is located on the summit, the frazione of Santa Casa, Erice and the suburbs of Trapani are located on the western slopes, and the comune of Valderice is on the eastern side of the mountain.
The mountain has been known by different names throughout its history, reflecting the various cultures that ruled Sicily. It has also been a site of religious devotion, from the sanctuary of Venus in antiquity to Islamic and Christian traditions in later periods.
Eryx — In classical antiquity, both the mountain and the settlement on its summit were known as Eryx (Greek: Ἔρυξ, Latin: Eryx), named after the mythical Elymian king and hero of the same name.[2] Ancient authors such as Strabo and Diodorus Siculus describe the site as the location of the sanctuary of Venus Erycina, which gave the mountain and city renown in the Greco-Roman world.[3]
Gebel Hamed — During the Arab rule of Sicily, following the Aghlabid conquest of 831, the mountain and settlement were known as Gebel Hamed (Arabic: Cebel Hamid, “Mountain of Hamed”). Islamic traditions were introduced during this period, although few material traces survive. The name survives locally in the Teatro Gebel Hamed.[4]
Monte San Giuliano — In 1117, under Norman rule, the mountain was renamed Monte San Giuliano in honour of Saint Julian. Churches and monasteries were founded during this period, reflecting the renewed Christian identity of the settlement on the summit. This name remained in official use for several centuries, until it was replaced in the 20th century.[5]
Monte Erice — In 1934, during the period of Fascist rule, the mountain was officially renamed Monte Erice.[6] The choice of name, recalling the ancient toponym Eryx, reflected the Fascist regime’s emphasis on Romanness and its efforts to link modern Italy with its classical past.[7]
The mountain is covered by vegetation: there is a forest of Aleppo pine around Martogna, oak in the state forest of Sant'Anna, as well as holm oak and downy oak in the Costa Spada area.[8]
There are numerous hiking trails.[9] Four of these are officially marked by the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI), connecting the historic centre of Erice with surrounding forests, chapels, and panoramic overlooks:
Sentiero di Sant’Anna (CAI 601) – A 5.5 km descent from Porta Trapani to the Sant’Anna Sanctuary, passing wooded picnic areas, panoramic terraces, and historic pilgrimage sites, ending near the cable car station.[10]
Sentiero Porta Castellammare – Tre Chiese (CAI 602) – A 4.5 km scenic loop from Erice’s eastern gate past wild orchid groves, coastal viewpoints, and rural chapels, blending nature and local religious heritage.[11]
Sentiero Torretta Pepoli (CAI 603) – A 2.7 km shaded woodland path through the Bosco dei Runzi, offering views of the Castle of Venus and Balio Towers; rich in birdlife and Mediterranean flora.[12]
Sentiero Demanio Forestale San Matteo (CAI 604) – A 6.9 km moderate trail descending from Erice’s Chiesa Matrice to the Sicilian Forestry Corps Museum, passing medieval sites, pine forests, and agro-forestry landscapes with interpretive features.[13]
Since 1954, the Monte Erice hillclimbing championship has taken place on its slopes every year.[14]
Erice Adventure Park (Parco Avventura Erice) is located on the lower slopes of Monte Erice, within the Martogna pine forest. One of the most extensive facilities of its kind in the province of Trapani, it was established by a group of biologists and outdoor educators. The park features five treetop rope courses of varying difficulty, with zip lines, suspension bridges, and climbing elements set at different heights.[15][16]
