TRAPANI
History: - The city projects like a wedge into the sea, opposite the Egadi (Aegatian) archipelago and between the Slopes of Eryx and the narrow isthmus which overlooks the Lilybaean coast with its extensive salt-flats. An ancient seat of Sicanians and Elyrnians, it was called Drepanon by the Greeks, who were impressed by its sickle forni. In the first half of the third century B.C. the city, by then in Punic hands, saw its population considerably increased by the massive migration of people from Eryx ordered by Hamilcar. Long disputed during the Punic wars, it was finally won by the Romans at the navai Battle of the Aegatian Islands (second half of the third century B.C.). When Roman power declined, various other peoples passed through Trapani, and in the process the city developed a strong business sense. Already important under the Arabs and the Normans, it flourished particularly under the house of Aragon. In the sixteenth century the city was much favoured by Charles V, who also contributed to reinforcing its defense works. In following centuries Trapani further developed its sea trade, its fishing activities and the mining activities connected with the natural abundance of salt in its territory. During the Risorgimento it participated actively in the popular uprisings against the Bourbons. It suffered considerable damage during the campaigns of the Second World War, and has today a basically modem appearance, especially on the low coastal land where the urban plan is based on a wide grid. In the peninsular portion, the lay of the land imposes a closer structure, with narrow streets and characteristic alleys. An important commercial, fishing and tourist port (it is the starting point for trips to the Egadi Islands opposite), it pursues a certain amount of industrial activity, connected with the processing of rural products, salt mining (although this is declining) and fishing. Craft activities include principally coral and mother-of-pearl work (in spite of decreases in recent years), pottery, whistles and marble work. The places where the people of Trapani meet and take their evening walk are concentrated around Via Torrearsa, Corso Vittorio Emmanuele and the panoramic Viale Regina Elena. The Piazza del Mercato del Pesce offers daily the spectacle of fish being sold in a colourful and picturesque setting. In the Rione Palma, every Thursday, the characteristic market of the itinerant vendors is held. In the field of foklore we have the well known Processione dei Misteri, which takes place on Good Friday and Easter Saturday. A feature of the procession are the groups of wooden sculptures.