# Erice

> Italian comune

**Wikidata**: [Q192917](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q192917)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erice)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/erice

## Summary
Erice is an Italian comune located in the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani, serving as the historical successor to the ancient city of Eryx. It is recognized as a member of the association "The most beautiful villages in Italy" and encompasses several settlements, including Casa Santa, Napola, Pizzolungo, and Rigaletta. The municipality features notable historical sites such as the 14th-century Mother Church of Erice and is situated within the broader geopolitical and cultural context of the Italian Republic.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Italian comune and municipal division of Italy.
- **Location:** Located in Italy, specifically within the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani (inception: August 4, 2015) and the former Province of Trapani.
- **Coordinates:** 38.0375° N, 12.5875° E.
- **Population:** Recorded figures include 27,928, 27,655, and 26,089.
- **Historical Predecessor:** The ancient city of Eryx.
- **Affiliation:** Member of "The most beautiful villages in Italy" (association inception: 2001).
- **Official Website:** http://www.comune.erice.tp.it/
- **Notable Landmarks:** Mother Church of Erice (inception: 1314, built under King Frederick III, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary).
- **Infrastructure:** Home to the Stadio Polisportivo Provinciale (inception: 1960), a multi-use stadium in Trapani.
- **Contained Settlements:** Napola, Pizzolungo, Casa Santa, and Rigaletta.
- **National Context:** Italy is a sovereign state, unitary state, and parliamentary republic, with a capital in Rome and a population of approximately 58.85 million.

## FAQs
**Where is Erice located?**
Erice is situated in Italy, specifically within the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani. This administrative body replaced the Province of Trapani on August 4, 2015.

**What is the historical significance of Erice?**
Erice is the successor to the ancient city of Eryx. It contains the Mother Church of Erice, a 14th-century structure built under King Frederick III and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

**What settlements are included in the comune of Erice?**
The municipality includes the human settlements of Casa Santa, Napola, Pizzolungo, and Rigaletta.

**Is Erice part of any specific cultural associations?**
Yes, Erice is a member of "The most beautiful villages in Italy," an association of small Italian towns of historical interest established in 2001.

**What are the population statistics for Erice?**
Various population counts have been recorded for Erice, including 27,928, 27,655, and 26,089.

## Why It Matters
Erice holds significance as a preserved example of Italian historical and cultural continuity, bridging the ancient legacy of the city of Eryx with modern administrative structures. Its inclusion in "The most beautiful villages in Italy" highlights its aesthetic and historical value, contributing to the cultural tourism that is vital to Italy's economy. As a comune, it represents the fundamental local government unit within Italy, a nation that is a founding member of the European Union and a major global economic power. The presence of historical landmarks like the Mother Church of Erice underscores the region's deep religious and architectural heritage, dating back to the medieval era and the reign of King Frederick III.

## Notable For
- **Historical Continuity:** Successor to the ancient city of Eryx.
- **Architectural Heritage:** Home to the Mother Church of Erice, built in 1314 under King Frederick III.
- **Cultural Recognition:** Listed as one of "The most beautiful villages in Italy."
- **Administrative Evolution:** Transitioned from the Province of Trapani to the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani in 2015.
- **Sports Infrastructure:** Contains the Stadio Polisportivo Provinciale, established in 1960.

## Body

### Geography and Location
Erice is an Italian comune located in the southern European country of Italy. Italy is a sovereign state and parliamentary republic, officially known as the Italian Republic, covering an area of 302,068 square kilometers. The country is characterized by its distinctive boot-shaped geography, extending into the Mediterranean Sea, and is bordered by France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. Erice itself is situated at coordinates 38.0375° N and 12.5875° E. The broader region of Italy features diverse landscapes, including the Alps in the north and the Apennine Mountains running down the peninsula, with the highest point being Mont Blanc at 4,808.72 meters. Italy is divided into 20 administrative regions, including Sicily, where Erice is located.

### Administrative and Political Context
As a comune, Erice is a municipal division of Italy, a unitary state with its capital in Rome. The current Italian republic was established on June 18, 1946, following a constitutional referendum, succeeding the Kingdom of Italy which was proclaimed on March 17, 1861. Erice falls under the jurisdiction of the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani, an administrative entity that replaced the Province of Trapani on August 4, 2015. Italy operates as a parliamentary republic with a President (Sergio Mattarella) as the head of state and a Prime Minister (Giorgia Meloni) as the head of government. The country is a founding member of the European Union, NATO, and the G7, utilizing the Euro as its currency since January 1, 2002.

### History and Heritage
Erice serves as the historical successor to the ancient city of Eryx. The town is home to the Mother Church of Erice (Chiesa Madre), a significant religious structure built in 1314 under the reign of King Frederick III and dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. This historical landmark connects the modern comune to the medieval history of Sicily. Italy's broader historical narrative includes the transition from the Roman Empire to the Kingdom of Italy and finally to the Republic, a continuous political evolution that Erice is a part of. The country is renowned for its cultural heritage, possessing the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally.

### Demographics and Settlements
The population of Erice has been recorded at various figures, including 27,928, 27,655, and 26,089. The comune encompasses several smaller settlements, including Napola, Pizzolungo, Casa Santa, and Rigaletta. These settlements are part of the larger demographic landscape of Italy, which has a total population of approximately 58.85 million people as of 2023. The national population is characterized by a life expectancy of 83 years and a median age that reflects an aging demographic trend. The official language of the region is Italian, though numerous regional languages and dialects are spoken throughout the country.

### Infrastructure and Economy
Erice features the Stadio Polisportivo Provinciale, a multi-use stadium established in 1960, which serves the local area. The infrastructure of Erice is integrated into the national framework of Italy, which drives on the right side of the road and utilizes a 230V electrical system. Italy has a mixed economy with a nominal GDP of over $2 trillion, ranking among the top economies in the world. The country is known for its manufacturing, fashion, and automotive sectors, symbolized by the "Made in Italy" brand. Erice's official website, http://www.comune.erice.tp.it/, provides digital access to municipal services, reflecting the country's advanced digital presence with a .it top-level domain.

### Culture and Society
Erice is a member of "The most beautiful villages in Italy" (I Borghi più belli d'Italia), an association established in 2001 to promote small Italian towns of historical interest. This affiliation highlights the town's cultural and aesthetic value. The broader cultural context of Italy includes a rich tradition of art, cuisine, and literature, with national patron saints being Francis of Assisi and Catherine of Siena. Public holidays in Italy, observed in Erice as well, include New Year's Day, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, International Workers' Day, Festa della Repubblica, Ferragosto, All Saints' Day, Christmas, and Saint Stephen's Day. The national anthem is "Il Canto degli Italiani."

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. MusicBrainz
4. Italian National Institute of Statistics
5. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
6. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
7. GeoNames
8. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
9. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
10. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
11. Seismic classification in Italy
12. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)
13. museum-digital