Piazza Armerina is a historic town in the centre of Sicily, Italy. Its name is best known to visitors for the Villa Romana del Casale, a Roman villa just outside the town that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most people who come here do so with that villa in mind, and the town makes a comfortable base for seeing it.
The Villa Romana del Casale
The villa is noted above all for its Roman mosaics, which cover large areas of its floors. They are among the most complete collections of their kind, and they reward a slow walk along the paths that lead through the rooms. Plan enough time to look closely at the figures and patterns rather than passing through quickly. Check the villa's current opening arrangements before you travel, as they are not given here.
The town itself
Piazza Armerina sits on the hills of central Sicily, and the landscape around it is open and rural. Visitors can wander the historic centre at an unhurried pace, stop for a meal, and see something of everyday town life. A visit pairs well with the villa, so a single day can combine both, or a longer stay can allow for a more relaxed pace across the surrounding countryside.
Who it suits
- Visitors interested in Roman art and archaeology
- Those who enjoy quieter inland towns away from the coast
- Travellers building a route through central Sicily
