Piazza Armerina: Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour

On this 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 and enjoy the convenience of fast entry with your skip-the-line ticket. 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.