Erice Castles

Erice has 2 castles: the Pepoli (converted villa in the 19th century) and Venere, from the 12th-13th century. The Norman castle was constructed on a rock on the ruins of the Temple of Venus Erycina. Entrance to the castle is through the original structure that is preserved: a tower, once used as a prison watchtower. Above the entrance is an arch, there is a brand new coat of arms, the Habsburg, crowned by a double warhead window from the 14th century. Inside there is a well, the ruins of the Temple of Venus, a house Phoenician and Roman baths. The castle is the starting point of a system of forts including Balio Tower and the Tower Pepoli.