Description of the attraction
Torre di Ligni is one of the main attractions of Trapani, which has become a real symbol of the city. This is an ancient fortress tower located at the westernmost tip of Cape Trapani between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Sicilian Strait.
Torre di Ligny was erected in 1671 by order of the main captain of the Kingdom of Sicily, Don Claudio La Moraldo, Prince of Ligny (or Ligni), during the Spanish rule of the island. The tower stands on rocks that form a continuation of the narrow spit of the ancient city, called in antiquity Pietra Palazzo. The architect Carlos de Grunemberg worked on the Torre di Ligny project: he built a square tower, which, tapering upwards, was equipped with four stone gatehouses and lanterns.
The main function of the fortified Torre di Ligni was to protect against invasions by Berber pirates, who often attacked and ravaged the coastal towns of Sicily. In 1806, the passage connecting the tower to the city was made pedestrianized and accessible to the public. Until 1861, firearms were installed on the roof, and during the Second World War it was used by the navy as an anti-aircraft firing position. In 1979, the old fortress was restored and opened to tourists.
Since 1983, Torre di Ligni has housed the Museum of Prehistoric Times, on the first floor of which prehistoric finds from the territory of Trapani are displayed, and on the second floor there are exhibits related to marine archeology - amphorae, anchors, ornaments of the ancient Greeks, Romans and Phoenicians raised from the bottom seas. One of the most interesting items is the helmet shell dating from the middle of the 3rd century BC. Visitors to the museum can also climb to the rooftop of Torre di Ligni for wonderful views of Trapai Bay and Mount Erice.
