Trapani, Erice, and a swim at Scopello

Another hot day so after walking around Trapani and Erice we went for a swim in the Med.

We started the day with a walk in Trapani, visiting the other side of the peninsular and then three  churches with magnificent interiors.

In Chiesa del Purgatorio we saw the "Misteri", life-sized wooden effigies depicting the story of the crucifixion of Christ. The Misteri are carried through the town in Easter week by members of particular professions such as the millers and bakers guild, the stonemasons guild, the pasta makers guild and the bricklayers guild.

Unfortunately the couriers and posties guild doesn't seem to be included. Over the years many have been dropped and damaged during the processions (they look very heavy). Many were also damaged during the Allied bombings of World War 2. But they have all been perfectly repaired. We even came across a craftsman repairing three of them at one of the churches we had visited earlier.

Then on to Erice for lunch, a walled town perched on a 750 metre high rock (think 1.5 times the height of the Rimutakas except this one virtually starts at sea level). The views of the Trapani peninsula, the surrounding countryside and the blue Mediterranean were superb.

Sea meets sky

Having looked out at the blue, blue sea we decided to go to Scopello beach for a dip in the Mediterranean.

After an apertivo on Via Garibaldi we returned to Tavernetta Ai Lumi  for dinner. We always eat there when we are in Trapani. Linden had smoked swordfish stuffed with goats cheese and aubergine, followed by tuna steak. Matthew had crumbed squid followed by a "fish soup" which was really a whole lot of fantastic seafood sitting on a little bisque.

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