Get to know Sicily's most important historic sites on this day trip from Taormina to the Valley of the Temples, plus a visit to the Roman Villa of Casale!
Valley of the Temples + Roman Villa of Casale Day Trip
Meet us at the Taormina bus station to start our exciting day trip to the Valley of the Temples and the Roman Villa of Casale. It's sure to be a day full of history!
Our first stop is at Agrigento, where we'll find the Valley of the Temples, one of Italy's best-preserved archeological sites. In fact, this valley, full of Greek temples and stories to tell, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Here, we'll visit some standout landmarks, like the Temple of Juno and the surrounding wall ruins, and the Temple of Concordia, where we'll also find the remains of a paleochristian necropolis.
Then, we'll head to the Temple of Heracles, as well as the vestiges of the renowned Temple of Zeus, as we delve into some highlights of the divinities of classical mythology to whom these sanctuaries were consecrated. Lastly, we'll admire the Temples of Castor and Pollux, two picturesque ruins sure to captivate you.
Before leaving the site behind, we'll give you an hour of free time to enjoy lunch at any of the nearby local restaurants. After lunch, we'll hop back on the bus toward Piazza Armerina, right in the heart of Sicily. Along the outskirts of this town, we'll come to the Roman Villa of Casale.
This unique place offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of ancient Roman villas. Credit for its discovery goes to Gino Vinicio Gentili, who primarily excavated the site in the 1950s. According to studies, the villa took a hit from the Normans and was nearly wiped out by a mudslide from Mangone Mountain.
During our visit, we'll be treated to a spectacle of vibrant mosaics embellishing the pathways. One in particular catches the eye, showcasing a rare depiction of women's sports in ancient times. We'll pause to admire the image of 10 women engaged in disc throwing and lifting weights. Pretty fascinating, don't you think?
Finally, after 12 hours immersed in the rich history of the Valley of the Temples and traversing the Roman Villa of Casale, we'll return to the meeting point bringing our day to an end.
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