Trapani

Trapani (Sicilian: Tràpani; Latin: Drepanon; Greek: Δρέπανον) is a city in western Sicily. It is the capital of the Province of Trapani. The city has population of around 69,000 people.

Trapani.

Flag

Coat of arms

History

The city was founded by the Elymians. It was created to serve as a port for the nearby city, Erice. The city was first called Drépanon (from the Greek word for sickle). Carthage captured the city in 260 BC, and made it an important naval base. The city was then captured by the Roman Republic after the Battle of the Aegates. The area would later be captured by the Vandals, Ostrogoths, Byzantine Empire, Arabs and the Normans.

The city was damaged from World War II.

Culture

Trapani is known for its Easter-related traditions. These traditions date back to at least 1612. The city also features the longest religious festival in Sicily and in Italy.

Gallery

Panorama of Trapani.

Other websites

• Museum Agostino Pepoli Archived 2008-06-25 at the Wayback Machine (in English)
• Tuna fisheries Archived 2016-08-20 at the Wayback Machine
• Salt route Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine