Wednesday April 2, 2014
We set off to the north east towards Piazza Armerina and after a long drive through a very windy road we came to the Roman Villa of Casale which was a large country house of the late Roman period (300AD) and it represents the finest existing example of Roman mosaic tiles ever discovered. First discovered in the 1950s it had been covered in mud for 700 years which served to preserve the mosaic floors. The highlight was the enormous hallway which was full of hunting scenes which tell multiple stories of hunts of the past. The rooms are seen from a walkway above which allows the full view of the floors in each of the many rooms. Following the viewing we stopped for a late lunch in a local Trattoria where we enjoyed lamb, rabbit and pasta.
Next we went to the ancient city of Morgantina nearby. The city was founded by the Morgeti people in 2000 BC chosen for its strategic location on a ridge over two valleys. It also had good water and fertile land. The ruins today include Greek agora (market), amphitheatre, senate and hall of justice from 4th century BC. We wandered through the vast site and marveled at the organization of the city plan in streets. The location atop the two valleys provided a fantastic vista and the drive in and out was breathtaking.
A euchre game on Necessity topped off a great day!
Brian on Board Necessity
Marina diCala delSole, Licata