Piazza Armerina, Roman archaeological site in Sicily, Italy
Piazza Armerina is a town in the Free Municipal Consortium of Enna in Sicily, surrounded by hills in the centre of the island. The old town spreads across multiple levels with narrow streets, baroque churches and stone buildings overlooked by the historic cathedral.
Lombard settlers established a stronghold in this area during the 11th century, leading to the development of the medieval town structure. The Norman conquest under Count Roger I shaped further development and left architectural traces in the region.
The Palio dei Normanni takes place every August and brings medieval competitions, processions and performances to the town, recalling the arrival of Norman Count Roger I. Participants wear historical costumes and the streets fill with spectators watching the spectacle.
The town sits on several hills, so many streets feature steps or steep sections, making sturdy footwear advisable. Most shops and restaurants are located in the historic centre, which is easy to explore on foot.
The nearby Villa Romana del Casale houses ancient Roman mosaics showing female athletes in two-piece clothing similar to modern swimwear. These depictions date from the 4th century and are considered early examples of light athletic wear.
Location: Free Municipal Consortium of Enna
Capital city: Piazza Armerina
Elevation above the sea: 697 m
Shares border with: Assoro, Caltagirone, Mazzarino, Pietraperzia, Raddusa, San Michele di Ganzaria, Mineo, Aidone, Barrafranca, Enna, Mirabella Imbaccari, San Cono, Valguarnera Caropepe
Website: https://comune.piazzaarmerina.en.it
GPS coordinates: 37.38333,14.36667
Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42
Stone mosaics adorn buildings across continents, offering insights into the artistic traditions of different eras. Roman floor mosaics feature mythological scenes and geometric patterns in villas and public baths. Byzantine wall mosaics in churches depict religious figures using gold tesserae, while Islamic mosaics in mosques and palaces showcase intricate geometric and floral compositions. Examples of this art form can be found at Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, where Christian and Islamic elements coexist, in the early Christian basilicas of Ravenna with their detailed biblical narratives, and at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem with its elaborate arabesques. Modern interpretations appear in subway stations, public squares, and contemporary buildings, demonstrating the continued relevance of this technique.
Villa Romana del Casale
3.5 km
Morgantina
11.3 km
Autodromo di Pergusa
15.5 km
Santa Maria del Mazzaro
15.6 km
Santa Maria della Neve
15.8 km
Archaeological Museum of Aidone
7.9 km
Piazza Armerina Cathedral
283 m
Big Game Hunt mosaic
3.5 km
Parco minerario di Floristella-Grottacalda
11.8 km
Castello di Pietratagliata
13.7 km
Riserva naturale speciale Lago di Pergusa
16 km
Chiesa di Santa Lucia
16.2 km
Ancient Greek theatre of Morgantina
11.2 km
Sant'Ignazio (Mazzarino)
15.9 km
Santissimo Crocifisso Olmo
15.7 km
Riserva naturale orientata Rossomanno-Grottascura-Bellia
7.9 km
Santa Maria del Carmine
16.1 km
Priorato di Sant' Andrea
1.1 km
Lago Olivo
7.6 km
Palazzo Trigona della Floresta e di San Cono
264 m
Teatro Garibaldi
410 m
Chiesa di San Domenico e convento dei frati domenicani
15.7 km
San Rocco church
162 m
Palazzo di Città
153 m
Area archeologica di Sofiana
9.5 km
Maria Santissima della Purificazione
14.6 km
Castello di Mazzarino
15.7 km
Commenda dei Cavalieri di Malta e
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