Villa Romana del Casale Travel Guide
Luxurious Villa, Fine Mosaics
- Ratings:
- Be the first to rate this.
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Located about 5km outside the town of Piazza Armerina the imposing Roman villa, Villa Romana del Casale, is one of the most luxurious of its kind containing the richest, largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Decorating almost every room inside the villa they are the finest mosaics in situ. No wonder then that the site was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.
Built between the late 3rd century BC and the early 4th century AD, the villa was only occupied occasionally until the 12th century when it was almost completely buried in a landslide. Some columns and mosaics were found early in the 19th century, but it was only after major excavations performed in 1929, 1935-39 and 1950-60, that the villa was completely uncovered. Consisting of four groups of rooms with galleries, peristyles, courts and thermal areas, it is a large complex of buildings with over 3500sq m of mosaic floor showing different aspects of Roman life, like the “Corridor of the Great Hunt” and the famous tableau of girls exercising in their “bikinis”.
Attractions in Villa Romana del Casale
The mosaics on the floors of the villa are what makes it unique and have survived in excellent condition. Portraying mythological scenes, daily life and special occasions as well as decoration and patterns in a wonderful display of colours, the work has been interpreted to be that of North African craftsmen.
Activities in Villa Romana del Casale
You can visit the whole villa and discover the different mosaics in each of its rooms.
Relaxing
Find a quiet spot and relax reflecting on the almost unbelievable craftsmanship of the mosaic artists.
Villa Romana del Casale Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
