Today we head to another A-list location, Erice. I feel I could write exactly the same description about the history of just about every place we've visited to Sicily which isn't too surprising given the size and location of the island. So Erice is also has its roots going back to the pre-Greek civilization and on through the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, etc., etc. HOWEVER, for our express purpose of posting something OTHER than Baroque period or Greco-Roman ruins it is a gold mine because is it is a representative of Middle Ages, Feudal architecture.
We've now been traveling about 2 1/2 weeks and are halfway through. Initially, it there was a period of just adjusting to being traveling again. This was complicated by having our first stay shared with the #3's. We (the 3/s and we) agree that if at all possible, our getting together should come after Wife and I have been in on the road and adjusted first. But now we are in our groove. It helps that this second house is way more comfortable and to our liking than the first! Both Wife and I are getting back to our rhythm back particularly as it pertains to touring and photography.
Today between the different subject matter (bye-bye Baroque) and great weather, we were feeling it. Great for us. However, every action has a counterbalance. The counter balance for this is an incredibly long photographic post.
We Be Going Here!
There are two ways to get to Erice; by long-twisting, narrow road or by cable car. We chose the latter.
We did not figure on the convoluted twisting turning driving through the streets of Trapani required to get us to the Cable Way Station leaving us to wonder if we had really saved any effort.
Off we go!
We also hadn't planned on the wind which had our car rocking so much it was almost hitting the stanchions on the way up
But arrive we did and entered the Feudal town through its lower gate
You've seen the prior posts of Noto and Ortigia. You will note that the streets are very narrow in the Baroque city as well as the Feudal city. This is because the Baroque cities will rebuilt on the foundations of Feudal cities that had been destroyed by the 17th century earthquake. There was need felt at that time to redo the town planning. They just built them up with new architecture and design. Both Noto and Ortigia would have looked like Erice without the earthquake.
We're going to explore by various themes/city elements
Streets
The Cathedral/Duomo
Note the very utilitarian, defense oriented windows
Intriguing Women - There are all kinds of modern images of intriguing women
Balconies - Remember how ornate they are in the Baroque city? Not so in Feudal times
The Castle Complex - The guidebooks talk about the great castles on one end of town. They are very photogenic and have great views...IF the weather cooperates. And Erice, being a high place on a plain near water, has a tendency to develop its own little weather patterns and be cloud/fog covered. We lucked out.
Other Stuff in the City
A Mystery to be Solved - These images (on top of an eating/drinking establishment) are seen everywhere is Sicily - I mean everywhere. There are busts like these and paintings. They are in homes, restaurants, stores. I am sure they are referring to a historical period and specific individuals but haven't been able to find anything on line. We have a tour guide in Palermo next week and I am sure to ask him and find out.
We're going here next - Trapani
We had expected Trapani to be like Ortigia but in fact there wasn't that much old preserved there. A lot looked kind of shabby. But there was a main street which was done in more the 19th century style with some older buildings (like the Duomo) still present.
Seawalls whose foundations date way the hell back
It's a port!
And people do laundry
Road of Trees - There was a whole street that was lined with these trees (I don't know what kind) that had some of the most unusual trunks I have ever seen.
And let us conclude with...
SIGNS OF THE WORLD
You are welcome to make personal videos on the Erice Cable Way
However
Please...Nothing Intimate!
