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Whether it’s a non-venomous boa from the southeastern Europe, northern Africa, Middle East or southeastern Asia, a wire- grinded anti- tank missile used against bunkers or an ancient city of western Sicily, the name Eryx is no obliterated name, but a title that sustains scientific evolution, zoology knowledge and ancient history of an area named after an eponymous hero.

About 10 km from Trapani and 3 km from the sea-coast, the foundation of Eryx is ascribed to the son of Aphrodite and Butes, Eryx, who is also referred to as brother of Aeneas. Similar to Segesta, the city of Eryx is sought to have been a product of the inhabitation of the Elymi, the same Trojan descendants who populated the ancient city of Segesta.

Ancient Eryx didn’t always receive the prestige that its contemporary counterpart, Erice, now welcomes. In his writings, Cicero refers to the temple, but not the town. Cicero aside, there are other figures such as Pliny, Strabo, Tiberius who mentioned the town as being uninhabited or referred to the town as to a series of dwellings dependent to other settlements such as Segesta.

The mountain (Mons Eryx/ Mons Erycus) that in present is named Monte San Giuliano is thought to have an elevation that seems higher than it actually is. In ancient times, this mirage determined inhabitants to consider it the most imposing summit on the island, next to Aetna. Its considerable elevation was not the sole factor that built up its notoriety. The temple of Venus or Aphrodite also created mass bliss. Its foundation is alluded to Aeneas and the name of the mountain represents the etymologic source of Venus Erycina, which is mentioned in several historic works.

Prior to the 19th century, the site offered a castle turned subsequently into a prison. There still are few ancient marks of the original edifice which resume to massive stones. Still, the town hosts other elements (granite columns) that for certain made part of the original construction. The coins of C. Considius Nonianus (1st century BCE) display images of the original edifice, but the accuracy of these testimonies is questioned.

Not only archaeology constitutes an attraction to Erice but also local art, culture and cuisine. Travelers are advised to indulge in the eclectic world of Erice, if what they wish for is an unforgettable treat.