52 miles (84km) SW of Catania and 102 miles (164km) SE of Palermo sits the small mountainous town of Piazza Armerina, with a deep-seated Roman history that is still manifest in its ancient monuments and artwork throughout the region. The crown jewel of the area is Villa Romana Del Casale, famous for its floor-to-ceiling mosaic adornments. Find out what else to do during your 24 Hours in Piazza Armerina.
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Getting to Piazza Armerina
Driving to Piazza Armerina is a bit dicey, so if you can call dibs on navigator/passenger, I highly recommend it. There are lots of winding roads and one-way streets leading up to the village, so be careful. Parking is also difficult, so you may have to park further away than you’d like.
Alternatively, you can reach Piazza Armerina by bus. There are limited daily buses from Gela, Siracusa, Taormina, and Enna. Check these websites for more information: http://www.aziendasicilianatrasporti.it and www.interbus.it
If you drive, stop at the Temple of Heracles in Agrigento on your way.
Where to Stay in Piazza Armerina
Home Hotels (casavacanze): stay in one of four wonderfully equipped apartments, located on Via Garibaldi in the center of town. The homes have been updated with new baths, washing machines, and a pull-out coach in the kitchen area.
The host, Vanessa is very proactive in communication and will gladly recommend what to do and where to eat in town. She even contacted us later in the day to make sure everything was going well during our stay.
AirBnB: There are several adorable guesthouses available for rent in town as well for an average of $60/night.
What to Do – 24 Hours in Piazza Armerina
It’s easy to fall in love with the atmosphere of this small hilltop town, composed of exquisite 11th c. buildings and a labyrinth of medieval streets to explore on foot. This city was flourishing in the Roman times, and there is still lots of evidence of its existence amongst the ancient architecture and monuments.
Villa Romana del Casale
Villa Romana Del Casale is the ultimate example of ancient Roman luxury. Every room is filled with stunning mosaics, the largest and finest collection of Roman mosaics in the world, dating back to the early 4th AD. Most of the mosaic floors are actually well preserved because the house was buried in a mudslide in the 10th c.
It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 because of its extravagance and adornment.
The Villa is a 15 minute drive from town with plenty of street signs marking the route. It is open from 9am – 6pm daily, with the admission price of 10 euros. Parking at the Villa is 3 euros. Allow a couple of hours for your visit. If you are not using a guide who can be hired on location before entering, make sure you rent an audio tour for 6 euros.
Piazza Armerina Cathedral
Perched atop the city is the main cathedral of Piazza Armerina, with its huge dome visible from miles and miles away. Construction on the facade began in 1604 and didn’t finish until 1719, with the dome being added later in 1768. The Gothic-Romanesque structure is lavished with pops of blue from the dome, windows, and doors. Inside you’ll find a stunning blue and white color palette with a copy of a Byzantine painting, Madonna delle Vittorie (Virgin of the Victories), by which this church gets its nickname.
Casa Museo Del Contadino
Casa Museo Del Contadino recreates a typical 19th century Sicilian peasant home, showing what living conditions were like for the working class. This museum is free of entry.
Pinacoteca Communale
Pinacoteca Communale is a small gallery featuring local artwork from 15-19th century, including alter pieces and church frescos.
Where to Eat for 24 Hours in Piazza Armerina
Cocoa Restaurant: They have a huge selection of freshly made pastas, with a chalkboard menu listing the daily specials. It was very reasonably priced with entrees about 8 euros each. The interior has a modern chic vibe with see-through chairs and eclectic art displayed on the walls.
Da Toto: With an extremely amicable waitstaff, Da Toto serves up some unique pastas, delicious fish, and a plethora of antipasti dishes to accompany your meal.
Trattoria Del Goloso: This trattoria was a great value. They offer a pre-fixe menu for 18 euros, including wine. Simple ingredients, but high quality for a good price.
Caffetteria Marconi: Arguably one of the best cappuccinos in all of Italy can be found right here in the city of Piazza Armerina at this cafe. There’s a large selection of pastries, pizzas and cakes to choose from as well.
COFFEE INSIDER TIP: If you stand at the counter to drink, it’s usually cheaper than sitting at a table.
Beautiful! Nice itinerary you planed!
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It really is a beautiful city!
The oldest building got the most eyes on it. What a beautiful texture amazing.