The rural villa was probably built in the middle of the 4th century AD by a Roman Patrician, if not a by a member of the imperial family.

The colourful mosaics show daily life, hunting and mythological scenes, and cover more than 3.500 sqm! They are the most complex and largest Roman mosaics in the world. Archaeologists think that they were made by North African artisans because they are very similar to the mosaics of the Tunis Bardo Museum in Tunis. 

A running theme of many mosaics, is the capturing and shipping of wild animals. Most of these poor creatures, if they survived the transport, ended up in the Colosseum in Rome.

Opening times in summer (1. April - 31. Oct): daily 09.00 - 19.00 h

If you want to avoid the high entrance fee and the crowds, the Vila Romana del Tellaro in Noto is a great alternative.