8 Must-See Attractions in Trapani during your dream Italy vacation!

Trapani is a historic port city in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline. Overlooking Monte Erice, this city sits on a low-lying land jutting into the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed to be founded by the Elymians in around 260 BC, where Romans later seized the control of the city. Primarily known for its fishing and canning, all historical buildings are built in the unique Baroque style. From the Church of Sant’Agostino to Ligny Tower and the cable car experience to Monte Erice to Casa Ciambra, there are many must-see attractions in Trapani which you must not miss out!

Top-rated attractions in Trapani

Discover some of the best things to do in the lively city of Trapani with our list of top-rated attractions in Trapani.

1. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo
2. Old Town of Trapani
3. Harbor and La Colombaia
4. Saltworks
5. Santuario dell’Annunziata
6. Lingy Tower
7. Sant’Agostino
8. Chiesa del Collegio

Also read: Italy Travel Guide – Everything You Need To Know About Italy!

1. Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

Cattedrale di San Lorenzo also known as the Basilica of St. Lawrence the Martyr was built in 1421 and restructured again in 1635. Located in the historic centre of the city, it did not become a cathedral until 1844. This architectural wonder was built by Amico in Neoclassical-style. Famous artworks in the cathedral include a sculpture of The Dead Christ by Giacomo Tartaglia, the Eternal Father by Domenico La Bruna and many other paintings.

However, the most important treasure in here is a painting of the Crucifixion by the Flemish painter Van Dyke. Open to visitors every day from 9 am to 7 pm, this church is surely a Trapani’s must-see attraction.

2. Old Town, Trapani

Lying in the west of Piazza Umberto, Trapani’s Old Town is a vibrant place for the tourists with spectacular history and architecture. Via XXX Gennaio extends from the north to south enclosed by a narrow peninsula in here. Under the Saracen rule in the 9th century, a wide region of the peninsula between Via XXX Gennaio and Via Torre Arsa was the Arab Quarter.

You will experience some of the finest Trapani’s cathedral here along with small roadside shops for souvenir shopping and local delicacies. Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful towns in for your Italy vacation!

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3. Harbor and La Colombaia

In the coastal town of Trapani, every now and then you will get a glimpse of lush blue waters and its rich aquatic life. The harbour lies in the south along with Piazza Garibaldi. You can have some of the stunning views of the saltworks and Egadi Islands from here. The island of La Colombia is located towards the southern side of the harbour hosting a 15th-century fortress and a prison.

Take a stroll over here with your partner which is a worthy experience. You can also have a sea view candlelight dinner here during your romantic getaway to Italy.

Also read: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Catania – A Hidden Gem In Italy

4. Saltworks

Undoubtedly topping the list of must-see attractions in Trapani, the giant salt fields and the windmills here gives you a surreal experience. Dating back to the 15th-century, salt production began in this region under the Aragonese. Salt production has been Trapani’s main industry for several centuries, however, currently, it is carried at a smaller scale.

This place is a haven for all photography enthusiasts, making it one of the best instagrammable places in Europe. You can capture some marvellous silhouettes with an orange sunset and salt fields in the background.

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5. Santuario dell’Annunziata

Popularly known as the Santuario di Maria SS di Trapani, this church was founded as a Carmelite chapel in the 13th century. Its facade has a richly decorated door and aesthetic windows which were renovated in the 17th century by Amico, again. It is located in the historic centre of the city and is a sacred catholic place of worship in Italy. The vaulted church has an oval dome of late gothic style reconstructed in the 15th century. Do not miss this top attraction of Trapani during your visit here.

6. Ligny Tower

Ligny Tower is a watchtower in Trapani located on the city’s western coastal coast. Built during 1671, this tower is still in good condition and open to visitors as an archaeological museum. Designed by the Flemish architect Carlos de Grunenbergh, Ligny tower’s major purpose was to defend the city from attacks by the Barbary corsairs. Also during world war II it was used by the Regia Marina and armed with anti-aircraft guns. Since 1984, this museum attracts thousands of tourists weekly.

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7. Sant’Agostino

Sant’Agostino was built as the Chapel of the Knights Templar during the Augustinian order. This church was renovated in the 14th century where its facade was enlarged along with large rose windows and polygonal apse. However it was destroyed during the Second World War and the church was rebuilt again. The square of Piazza Saturno was named after the 16th-century Fountain to Saturn.

Also, if you are interested in the historical aspects of the city, this must-visit monument in Trapani should definitely be in your itinerary. Right next to this church is a wall of different old statuary making this a beautiful section of old Trapani.

Also read: A quick 9-day itinerary for your first ever trip to Italy

8. Chiesa del Collegio

Designed by the Sicilian monk and master-builder Natale Masuccio, Chiesa del Collegio was built between 1606 and 1640. In addition, this church’s facade is extensively decorated with Baroque volutes, statues, and paintings. With thousands of tourists visiting this holy place weekly and the three aisles separated by pillars, this magnificent building is surely a must-see attraction in Trapani.

If you are planning an Italian holiday, make sure you add the city of Sicily to it. In addition, this beautiful coastal city is filled with architectural wonders and azure blue waters to give you an experience for a lifetime. Head to the Pickyourtrail website right away and check out the top-selling Italy travel packages. Alternatively, you can also customize your Italian vacation. Also, make sure you download the super-smart Pickyourtrail app which can help you with all your queries. In addition, you can also Whatsapp us and we will be more than happy to help you plan your dream vacation!