What to see in Sicily: top archaeological sites

Allow yourself to take a step back in time to experience two ancient civilisations. The days of gladiators and philosophers. The days of worshipping Gods through lavish statues and temples. The days of celebrating the most notable poets and playwrights through performances at grand theatres. 

 

Read about the best archaeological remains that can be found throughout the Italian island of Sicily for an overview of each area and key information useful to plan your visit.  

 

With over 3000 square metres of mosaics the "Villa Romana del Casale" is one of a kind and it must be seen to allow you to fully understand the magnitude of its beauty. The astonishing thing about the mosaic flooring inside the villa is how well they have been preserved since they were built in the early 4th century AD. During the 11th century, there was substantial flooding and landslides in the area which covered the Roman villa almost completely. This allowed it to remain untouched and preserved for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 19th century. Of the mosaics in this villa the most renowned are the "big hunt" and the "bikini girls", due to their rich details and colours, interesting themes and quality of preservation.  

• Open 9:00-18:00 (last Sunday in March to last Saturday in October), 9:00-16:00 (last Sunday in October to last Saturday in March)

• Admission: Adults (€10), Reduced (€5)

• Location: 15 minutes from Piazza Armerina

• Facilities: Carpark onsite. Café and toilets available

 

 

The theatre of Taormina was built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks and was initially used for performances. Originally the theatre was a great deal smaller than what you see today. In the 2nd century AD, the Romans expanded the area to create more space for the games and battles that they wished to hold inside the theatre. The layout still follows that of a Greek theatre. Even though some of the theatre has deteriorated or been destroyed over time, the picturesque backdrop of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, will make up for this. If you have the chance, don’t miss seeing a musical or theatrical performance inside the theatre of a lovely summer evening. For more infos about what to do in Taormina read here.

• Open 9:00-16:00 (closing time is extended during peak season) 

• Admission: Adults (€10), Reduced (€5) 

• Location: in the centre of Taormina 

• Facilities: Carpark onsite. Toilets available

 

The UNESCO world heritage site in Syracuse has a unique aspect to it that is unlike the other archaeological parks that have been mentioned above. Take this rare opportunity to compare a Greek theatre and a Roman amphitheatre that are within walking distance. The Greek theatre, originally built in the 5th century BC (but renovated in the 3rd century BC) allowed 15,000 spectators to watch the performances of distinguished playwrights. In the 3rd century AD the Roman amphitheatre was constructed to hold traditional games and gladiator battles and if not for the lack of preservation would be comparable in size to the Verona amphitheatre (although the theatre of Syracuse would have stood just a bit bigger). Another impressive area of the park of the limestone quarries where it is said that 7,000 Athenian prisoners of war were kept. The most impressive of these quarries is the "Ear of Dionysius", said to be named by Italian painter, Caravaggio. It measures 23 metres high and extends back into the cliff for 65 metres. 

• Open 9:00 until 2 hours before sunset 

• Admission: Adults (€10), Reduced (€5)

• Location 5 minutes from the centre of Syracuse 

• Facilities: Carpark onsite. Toilets available