Pizzolungo
Discovering Pizzolungo: the ancient hamlet of Erice
If you're a history and tradition enthusiast, you must absolutely visit Pizzolungo - Piana d'Anchise, a hamlet of the municipality of Erice, in the province of Trapani, located on the western coast of Sicily. Let's discover together the natural beauties, history and traditions of this enchanting place.
Territory
Pizzolungo takes its name from the eponymous little hill, characterized by a low and elongated relief that dominates the area. It is located in a privileged position, a few kilometers from Trapani and on the coasts of the gulf of Bonagia. The hamlet is bordered to the north by the Tyrrhenian Sea and to the south by the slopes of Mount Erice. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot but generally not torrid summers, thanks to the winds that ensure a pleasant airiness.
The history of Pizzolungo
If you love mythology, you surely know that Pizzolungo was the place where, according to legend, Aeneas landed upon his arrival in Italy accompanied by his father Anchises, now dying. For this reason, in October 1930, the famous "Stele di Anchise" was erected, a symbol of the presence of the mythological character on the Sicilian coasts. Today, the link with Virgilian mythology is still strong, so much so that the streets of the town and the two main squares bear names related to the epic poem.
Pizzolungo today
Unfortunately, Pizzolungo is also known for the massacre of April 2, 1985, when a bomb intended for judge Carlo Palermo mistakenly killed the Asta twins Salvatore and Giuseppe and their mother Barbara, who were on their way to school. A monument has been placed on the site of the attack, and every year the people of Pizzolungo bring a wreath of flowers in memory of the victims.
Society and folklore
Despite the tragic event, Pizzolungo is a renowned tourist destination, with about 800 residents who become many more during the summer season. The hamlet is loved for its enviable coasts and rich sea beds, an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts and those who want to spend a relaxing day on the beach.
But it is not only the sea that makes Pizzolungo an sought-after destination. On July 26, the people of Pizzolungo celebrate their patron saint, Saint Anne, with a procession that crosses the streets of the town, followed by a beautiful fireworks display at the end of the event. Faith and tradition are very alive in Pizzolungo, and moments of celebration are an opportunity to rediscover one's roots and share one's belonging to a community.
Conclusions
If you are looking for a place that allows you to immerse yourself in history and art, but also to enjoy breathtaking nature and the lively tradition of a people, Pizzolungo is the ideal destination for your next vacation. Here you can discover the beauty of a small Sicilian hamlet, where the past risks merging with the present and where the sea, faith, and popular culture intertwine in a perfect union.
