Trapani sits directly opposite the Egadi Islands providing them with regular comunication links with the main island. Beside the ferry traffic, the well-protected harbour handles large consignments of salt gathered in the saltpans just south of the town and tuna fish processed at the important local canning factory.
Trapani, the ancient Drepanum, extends along a curving tongue of land that ends in two horns – one occupied by the Torre di Ligny, the other by a lazaretto (a house for the reception all the diseased poor, especially lepers). According to legend, this was formed by the sickle that was dropped by the goddess of agriculture Demeter (Ceres) while she desperately sought her daughter Persephone, who had been carried off by Hades. The inner edge of the sickle (north), sheltered by the Tramontana reef, provides protected anchorages and moorings for fishing-boats. Each morning, on the shore opposite is held a picturesque fish market (pescheria). The most exciting time to visit Trapani is undoubtedly over Easter when the old town is thronged with multitudes of people participating in the processions and festivities held during Holy Week. These celebrations culminate in the Processione dei Misteri on Good Friday: as 20 groups of sculpted figures are borne round and through the streets all day and the following night. At other times, the statues are kept in the Church of the Purgatorio (in the town centre, in Via San Francesco); made of wood, cloth and glue by local craftsmen, they date from between 1650 and 1720.