Villa Romana del Casale: SP90, 94015 Piazza Armerina EN | 0935 68 0036 (The website is mostly in Italian; use Google Translate if needed)
There’s a treat for art and history lovers in Sicily: Villa Romana del Casale. This villa of a Roman officer – including royal apartments and administrative areas – showcases incredibly well-preserved and colorful mosaic tiles that help tell the stories of those living during the Roman Empire and beyond. This is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily and is a must-see.
Located near Piazza Armerina in south-central Sicily, the 38,000 square feet (3,530 square meters) of artistic mosaic treasures that date back to 300 AD depict the people and wild animals represented in the various lands comprising the Roman Empire — from Europe, Africa, and Asia. For example, people with blonde hair and blue eyes likely represent the German segment of the Roman Empire. Likewise, those with dark hair and eyes may have been from Spain. The mosaics – in a variety of rich colors – suggest that the materials originated from different parts of the Roman Empire. And, thankfully for us in the 21st century, mosaics don’t degrade like ancient painted frescos, so it’s a real treat to view them.
Brief History of Villa Romana del Casale
Originally built as a hunting retreat for a high Roman official between the 3rd and 4th centuries, it was later expanded and improved over the 6th and 7th centuries. After the Arabs invaded Sicily, it was abandoned. Later, around 1000, the Normans used it for a period.
A 12th-century landslide covered the villa in deep mud in the 12th century, preserving the sprawling artwork for 700 years before excavation began in the mid-20th century. The villa is comprised of four interconnected groups of buildings on a hillside. UNESCO states that Villa Romana del Casale has “the finest mosaics in situ (in its original location) anywhere in the Roman world.”
Today, the complex is protected by a roof, and raised walkways help visitors tour the site with an elevated vantage point. Information signs in English provide context to what is being viewed. After visiting Villa Romana del Casale, I walked away with a deep appreciation for the artistic vision and the realistic depiction of humans and animals alike.
Highlights of a visit to Villa Romana del Casale Mosaics
There are too many highlights to profile here, but rest assured, you will leave Villa Romana del Casale amazed at the ingenuity and artistic talent that went into creating this ancient masterpiece.
Thermae (Baths)
In Roman times, bathing was a social event, catching up with others while cleaning your body. Several rooms in this complex include a tepidarium, a warm room, a caldarium where the hot water pools were, and the frigidarium, the last step involving cold water to close the body’s pores.
Palestra
This space is considered an indoor exercise area — much like a modern track.
Peristyle (Courtyard Collonade)
The walkway surrounding the inner courtyard showcases floor mosaics of animal heads. These are thought to represent wild animals in the Empire.
Ambulatory of the Great Hunt (Grand Hall)
This long hallway bordering the courtyard depicts hunting scenes of all kinds of wild beasts, including cheetahs, lions, deer, elephants, and camels.
Room of Ten Maidens
Female gymnasts are shown engaging in different sports, like running and lifting weights. The mosaics in this room show a portion of an older floor mosaic, indicating that the decor changed from time to time.
Basilica
Near the end of the walking tour through Villa Romana del Casale is the Basilica, which served as an administrative area where Roman officials would meet with guests and colleagues. Instead of mosaics, the Basilica boasts marble slabs.
Hours of Operation and Admission
- Open daily 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (except where noted differently below)
- July-August, open later on Friday to Sunday, closing at 23:30
- November-March: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Cost: €10
NOTE: Please check online to verify current hours of operation and admission costs.
Tips for Your Visit to Villa Romana del Casale
- There is a nominal parking charge. Once you park your car, you’ll walk a few minutes past cafés and shops and up a hill (where there are restrooms) before paying for tickets and entering the villa.
- Expect to spend 60-90 minutes touring the complex, although if it’s crowded when you arrive, expect to spend more time here. You’ll see the structure of the buildings with colorful mosaics on the floors and some walls.
- Informational signs are displayed in several languages, including English.
- Restrooms are outside the entrance at the bar and by the parking lot.
- During peak season (May-September), visit before 10:00 am or after 4:00 pm to avoid the crowds. The catwalks can get congested.
How to Get to Villa Romana del Casale
Villa Romana del Casale is in central Sicily, making it an easy stop from many popular island destinations. Check your GPS app for the best route to take, but figure on the following approximate mileage:
From Villa Romana del Casale to
- Agrigento – about 70 miles/112 km
- Catania – about 60 miles/96 km
- Palermo – about 100 miles/160 km
- Ragusa – about 60 miles/96 km
- Siracusa – about 90 miles/144 km
- Taormina – about 90 miles/144 km
Location of Villa Romana del Casale
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Final Thoughts
Visiting Villa Romana del Casale was one of the high points of our trip to Sicily and a reminder of how important this island was to so many different invaders from antiquity. It’s remarkable to walk through the complex, gazing at the spectacular designs and what they represent and contemplating how families lived and worked here over the centuries. Wherever you stay in Sicily, do yourself a favor and make your way here for a few hours. The memories of this place will undoubtedly stay with you long after you return home.
The villa is an ongoing active archeological site. Interestingly, university students worldwide (including the U.S.) have been on-site to work at Villa Romana del Casale.
Comments?
Feel free to share your experiences at Villa Romana del Casale and/or suggestions for other places to visit in the area. Your ideas could be helpful to other travelers. Thanks! 🙂
