Chiesa del Purgatorio & the Misteri

The Chiesa delle Anime Sante del Purgatorio is a small baroque church a few steps from the port, and it holds Trapani's most important treasure: the Misteri. These are 20 groups of life-size statues in wood, canvas and glue, made mostly in the 17th and 18th centuries, showing the Passion of Christ. Each group belongs to one of the town's old trade guilds — fishermen, salt workers, bakers, butchers and more — who repair, decorate and carry them. On Good Friday the Misteri leave the church in the early afternoon and are carried through the old town for almost 24 hours, swaying to brass-band funeral marches. Outside Holy Week the groups stand along the walls of the church, so you can see them up close in a short visit. Entry is free; check opening hours locally, as the church closes in the middle of the day.