Sicily 7: Enna and Villa Casale (Piazza Armerina) [Sky Watch Friday]

By Shattman
Our next destination was Enna, a mountain town that is the highest [3,054 ft] provincial capital in Italy. The town’s exceptional location affords wonderful views of the surrounding landscape.


Our stay in Enna was brief, as our main objective was to visit the Villa Casale, a 3rd-4th century AD Roman estate discovered in the late 19th century. It is one of the most fascinating attractions in all of Sicily. The magnificent floor mosaics in the complex of rooms were uncovered in the 1950s under a thick layer of mud [resulting from a 12th century flood], which kept them well preserved through over the years. Most notable are the mosaics in the Hall of Female Gymnasts, where the bikini clad [yes, bikinis in Roman times] gymnasts are depicted. The athlete placing a crown on her head was the winner of her event.


Other scenes depicting gods, wild animals, hunting or even love-making adorn the walls and floors.