Piazza Armerina: Private Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour

Sicily



Experience ancient luxury as you explore the Villa Romana del Casale, a relic from the late Roman era. Marvel at intricate mosaics in the baths and private apartments on a skip-the-line guided tour.

Highlights

  • View one of the finest Roman-era villas, replete with intricate mosaics
  • Admire the largest mosaic collection in the world from the 4th century A.D.
  • Bear witness to ancient history as your walk the halls of the Villa del Casale
  • Discover the myths, daily lives, and cultural traditions of the late antiquity
  • Learn about ancient architecture, technology, and art in a living museum

Description

On this private guided tour, bear witness to the wealth and luxury of the daily lives of 4th-century patricians in the late Roman age. Dive into the culture and history of the late Roman Empire while you admire ancient mosaics. During your visit, see the baths, guest quarters, and private rooms. Begin your tour when you meet your guide outside the entrance to the villa. Your first visit is to the thermal baths. Feel the enveloping warmth of the caldarium and cool off in the frigidarium, fed by the Gela River. Continue your tour while you appreciate the beauty and vividness of the intricate mosaics. Throughout the villa's rooms, gain insights into the cultural activities of ancient Rome. In the baths, imagine the shouts of the spectators at a quadriga race of four-horse chariots. Next, wander towards the guest apartment. Here, enjoy scenes of daily life, including fishing activities, hunting, and banquets. Feel the hunters’ anticipation in the “Little Hunt” mosaic. In the dining room, imaginethe enchanting sounds of Orpheus playing his lyre as animals gather around him. Venture further to explore the grand public halls where the villa received 'clientes.' Marvel at the mosaic known as the 'Great Hunt,' which shows a monumental map of the Roman Empire. Watch as a lioness attacks a hunter, as an elephant boards a ship, and a ship sails through the waves. Finally, enter the private rooms belonging to the 'domina' and 'dominus' of the villa. See how the wealthy owners slept, ate, and conducted daily business in this palatial complex. Learn more from your guide about who may have owned the villa before concluding your tour.

Includes

Private certified guide

Important Information

  • Pets not allowed

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again