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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
