Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina sits on a hill in the Erei Mountains and is primarily known as the site of the Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This late-antique villa from the 4th century AD houses the world's most extensive and significant collection of Roman mosaics in situ. Across over 3,500 square meters, the elaborate depictions show hunting scenes, mythological figures, and the famous 'bikini girls' exercising. The villa was likely the country estate of a high-ranking Roman official or a member of the imperial family. The town of Piazza Armerina itself has a noteworthy medieval core with magnificent Baroque buildings. The imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria delle Vittorie dominates the city skyline. Every August, the 'Palio dei Normanni' takes place, a historic equestrian tournament and costume festival commemorating the Norman liberation of Sicily. The surroundings are characterized by dense forests and hilly landscapes, quite different from the coastal regions. A visit to the villa should be timed for early morning or late afternoon to view the mosaics in peace. Piazza Armerina is an indispensable stop for history buffs traveling through the Sicilian hinterland.

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History & landmarks

Marsala

A historic town in Sicily, famous for its fortified wine, ancient salt pans, and as the landing site of Garibaldi's Thousand.

Modica

A fascinating Baroque city in Sicily, famous for its unique architecture and its ancient chocolate-making tradition.

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A multicultural port city in Sicily, famous for its Arabic quarter Kasbah and the ancient bronze statue of the Dancing Satyr.

More places

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