Villa Imperial, Casale
The Villa Romana del Casale is located about 5km outside Piazza Armerina. It is the richest, largest and most complex collection of late Roman mosaics in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By far, the most beautiful and impressive mosaics I've ever seen. When talking to friends about places we've traveled, I always recommend going to the Villa Imperial.
One reason these mosaics made such an impact was that they were cleaning a floor with running water. There is no comparison between dry mosaics and wet mosaics. The intense and brilliant colors were amazing. Yes, they were magnificent dry but wet....incredible!
The Villa was constructed on the remains of an older villa in the 4th century. It was damaged, and abandoned during the 12th century when a landslide covered the Villa.
This area was then used for cultivation but pieces of mosaics and some columns were found in the 19th century, and limited excavations were carried out. Serious excavations were conducted in 1929, between 1935-39 and the latest, 1950-60
It is believed that the owner was a member of the upper class in the Roman Empire. The villa was a single-story building, with public and private rooms around the center courtyard and an atrium, thermal baths, guest rooms, private apartments, basilica and other rooms. Can you just imagine the cost to build a house like that? A tile floor today runs around $2,000 U.S. for an ordinary size room!
Only the Villa has been excavated. Other structures haven't been located, e.g. workshops, stables, slave housing.
Raves all around for this amazing place!
