Trapani is a Sicilian coastal town whispering promises of sunshine and serenity. It is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, each turn potentially leading you to a picturesque piazza. Many of Trapani’s sights can easily be explored on foot in under an hour so read on for a free self-guided walking tour of Trapani that you can do on your own time, using my outline.
I’m including a Google Maps link for each of the stops to help you follow along and also so that if you want to enter any of the sites, you’ll be able to see when they’re open.
Here’s the full map so you can see what you’re getting into before you start.
Don’t miss out on this! This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in Trapani.
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Where to Start
Once you’ve settled into your hotel and maybe had a bite to eat, make your way to the Church of the Souls in Purgatory to start your tour.
1. Church of the Souls in Purgatory
Chiesa delle Anime Sante del Purgatorio is a church famous for its Mysteries of Trapani, 20 life sized wooden statues depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ that are paraded through the streets for 24 hours every year on Good Friday.
Some of the statues are originals while others are copies of statues that were destroyed by WWII bombings or irreparably damaged after being dropped during a procession. It could happen to anyone.
Each statue was commissioned and is now carried by members of a particular profession such as the Millers and Bakers Guild, the Pasta-Makers Guild, or the Bricklayers and Stonemasons Guild.
The church is free to visit, but check opening hours before you go as they are somewhat limited.
- Hungry? Go to La Bettolaccia for the Trapani specialty, couscous alla Trapanese (aromatic seafood, garlic, chili, tomatoes, saffron, parsley, and wine broth, ladled over a heap of couscous). Expect amazing service.
2. Trapani Cathedral
Trapani Cathedral is also known as Cattedrale di San Lorenzo and is a beautiful baroque cathedral. There doesn’t appear to be a consensus on when the church was built, but it has been modified and renovated repeatedly over the centuries.
It has a baroque facade that features a sandstone loggia. The interior is stuccoed and lavishly decorated featuring many noteworthy examples of religious art. It is free to visit.
- Hungry? Enoteca Versi di Rosso has a good selection of Marsala and other Sicilian wines. Pair it with a cheese platter or other snacks.
3. Palazzo Fardella Fontana
Palazzo Fardella Fontana features an elaborate stone doorway and is an interesting example of 18th-century Spanish baroque architecture. The palace currently serves as a local government building and is not open to the public.
Head back past Trapani Cathedral and turn left onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele. This pedestrian-only central street is where locals and visitors gather to dine, drink, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy leisurely evening strolls.
4. Palazzo Cavarretta
Also known as Palazzo Senatorio, this three-tiered baroque palace dates to 1672 and is one of the most imposing and recognisable sites in Trapani. The facade features ornate, inlaid marble statues, a clock, and a traditional calendar. This building is currently houses some municipal administration offices and is not open to the public.
Tucked to the left of the palazzo is Porta Oscura, the oldest entrance to the city. Also known as Torre dell’Orologio (Clock Tower), it boasts one of Europe’s oldest astronomical clocks dating back to 1596. This unusual clock features two circular faces: the solar quadrant, with hands that track the zodiac signs, solstices, equinoxes, seasons, and cardinal directions; and the lunar quadrant, displaying the phases of the moon.
5. Fountain of Saturn
The Baroque Fontana di Saturno stands in the small piazza in front of the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino. Built in 1342, it was one of three fountains used to distribute water from the slopes of Monte Erice to the homes in the city center. This fountain’s centerpiece is a statue of Saturn, the mythical founder of Trapani.
6. Chiesa di S. Agostino
The Chiesa di Sant’Agostino is one of Trapani’s oldest churches. Originally known as the Cappella dei Templari (Chapel of the Knights Templar), it was built close to the city’s medieval walls. Initially dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, the church was later given to the Augustinian order who then established a convent there.
The church’s architectural beauty is evident in the Gothic gabled facade, the intricate rose window formed by interlocking arches, and the unique polygonal apse.
Today the Chiesa di Sant’Agostino hosts conventions and secular performances so there’s a very small chance you’ll be able to peak inside. That said, it was heavily damaged during World War II and most remaining interior features are now housed at the Pepoli Museum.
7. Saint Maria of Gesù
Chiesa di Santa Maria del Gesù is a 16th century Gothic-Renaissance church with a huge shell-shaped niche in its facade. Step inside to behold the exquisite Madonna degli Angeli (Madonna of the Angels), a glazed terracotta statue by Andrea della Robbia.
From here, your Trapani walking tour continues down Corso Italia, one of the city’s oldest and most characteristic streets.
8. Ciambra Palace (Palazzo della Giudecca)
The Palazzo della Giudecca is a 14th century stone palace built by the Jewish Sala family. It is generally not open to the public but has an interesting facade.
9. Villa Regina Margherita
Villa Margherita is an urban park dating back to Italian unification and has been open to the public since 1889. Wander beneath the shade of ancient trees, past charming benches and Doric columns. Marble busts add a touch of elegance, while an aviary houses various species of birds. For a moment of tranquility, seek out the coolness of the small lake awash with aquatic and subtropical plants. Watch ducks, geese, and black and white swans glide across the water’s surface. The park is also houses an open-air opera theater with performances held every summer.
10. Palazzo Riccio di Morana
Palazzo Riccio di Morana is a 16th to 18th century mansion with a neoclassical facade. The three-story facade is crowned by a triangular pediment and decorated with sculptures and relief sculptures. The reception room features a fancy tiled floor, frescos, and stucco art works on the ceiling. It is currently in use as a government office and is not open to the public.
From here, continue your Trapani walking tour down Via Garibaldi, a beautiful street lined by more 18th Century churches, palaces, and beautiful mansions.
11. Piazza Ex Mercato del Pesce
Piazza Mercato del Pesce was the location of fish market until it was moved closer to the small harbour on the west end ot Trapani. If you’d like to experience the hustle and bustle of a Sicilian fish market in action, head to the Mercato del Pesce which gets going at 6 a.m. daily.
From Piazza Mercato del Pesce, enjoy the walk along the sea on Via Mura di Tramontana. The last stop is about 20 minutes away. Pause at Torrino Conca for some amazing views of the city.
12. Torre di Ligny
The Torre di Ligny was built during Spanish rule to defend against raids and later served as a strategic lookout for the Navy in World War II. The tower is now a symbol of the city offering breathtaking views over the sea. Inside, the Museo Civico Torre di Ligny showcases local artifacts and archaeological discoveries, providing a fascinating glimpse into Trapani’s past. Admission is 1€. Opening hours are odd and limited so check before going if you’d like to visit the museum or climb the tower.
This concludes our walking tour around Trapani. If you have more time in the area, there are definitely more sights to see. Go explore!
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