The Tower

The Torre di Ligny is one of the iconic landmarks of Trapani, a monument rich in history and significance that tells the story of the city’s deep connection with the sea. It stands on the rocks at the extreme western tip of the historic center, in a strategic position that for centuries has represented a fundamental point of control and defense of the territory.

It was built in 1671, when Sicily was under Spanish rule, by order of Prince Claude Lamoral de Ligne, Captain General and Viceroy of the Kingdom of Sicily, with the purpose of sighting the ships of Barbary corsairs and protecting the city from attacks coming from the sea.

Designed by military engineer Carlos de Grunenbergh, the tower features a characteristic quadrangular structure that narrows towards the top and was originally equipped with four masonry sentry boxes and lanterns for coastal surveillance.

During World War II it was used by the Navy as an anti-aircraft station, taking on a new and important strategic role.

Today Torre di Ligny is one of the most evocative panoramic points in Trapani. From its terrace it is possible to admire a unique panorama: on one side the city with its characteristic curvilinear profile and Mount Erice dominating it, on the other the open sea with the splendid islands of Favignana and Levanzo on the horizon.

Inside it houses the Museo Civico Torre di Ligny, which preserves important archaeological finds from the territory and the seabed, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the history of Trapani and the Mediterranean.