Today I visited the Villa Romana del Casale, a 3,500 square metre villa, with the largest and most complex collection of Roman mosaics in the world, designed and installed by African mosaic workers. It was built in the first quarter of the 4th century AD. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The villa was hidden under 90 metres of mud due to a landslide and floods that covered the remains. There is another section that is part of the landslide just north where further remains are expected to be but the farmer who owns the land refuses to let archeologists dig!
By the way, the first bikinis weren’t French or American, they were Roman as can be seen in the mosaic floor of the “flora” room.
The samples of mosaics and the construction of the rooms are simply stunning. The villa was owned by the master of a large agricultural estate and was used to conduct business as well as house family. The lavish mosaics in the rooms were all used to impress his clients with his wealth.
On this journey, I have learned how so many different countries and cultures have influenced Italian culture. I am now curious to have my DNA tested to see just exactly how many of them are in me!
The afternoon was spent in Caltagirone, an inland city and commune in Catania that has an Arab influence. Like other cities in the region, it too was rebuilt after the 1693 earthquake in the Sicilian Baroque style. The biggest draw here are the wonderful ceramics and terra-cotta sculptures.
Also, the main landmark is the 142 step Staircase of Santa Maria del Monte built in the old part of town in1608. Each step is decorated with hand-decorated ceramics. I made my way up the staircase and as today was All Souls’ Day, I said the rosary for all my dearly departed, especially my mom and dad. Getting to the top of the stairs, I felt serene and a wonderful sense of peace and, as I turned around, I saw the beautiful city below.
To get through the narrow streets of the city, I took a “chu-chu” train and saw pretty alleys and ceramic shops during the ride.
The rain held off during the day and another day of adventure was a success.