Page 423 - The Rough Guide of Sicily

building: a children’s circus, where the small chariots are drawn by colourful birds,
and a children’s hunt, the tiny tots being chased and pecked by the hares and peacocks
they’re supposed to snare.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE

By bus From Piazza Armerina, a bus (May–Sept) leaves Piazza Senatore Marescalchi
for the Villa Romana on the hour between 9am and noon, and between 3pm and 6pm,
with a stop at Piazza Generale Cascino; it’s a half-hour ride, and the return service is
on the half-hour, starting at 9.30am.

By taxi A taxi from Piazza Generale Cascino in Piazza Armerina costs around €10

each way.

ACCOMMODATION AND EATING

Mosaici da Battiato Contrada Paratore 0935 685 453, hotelmosaici.com.
Located at the turn-off to the Villa Romana, this country inn has reasonable rooms at

low prices, and a terrace-restaurant that’s subject to an influx of tour groups at lunch.
Closed Nov & Dec. €50

Trattoria La Ruota Contrada Paratore 0935 680 542. In an attractive rustic setting
a little way up the road from the Villa Romana, this handsome former watermill offers
shaded outdoor seating and excellent regional food, from home-made pasta to local
sausage, lamb and rabbit (mains €98). The best place to eat near the mosaics. Daily

lunch only.

< Back to Enna and the interior

Around Piazza Armerina

The extraordinary remains of the Greek city of Morgantina, which was at its height in
the fourth century BC, lie 15km northeast of Piazza Armerina. That it’s not better
known is a shame, but also a boon as your visit will be mercifully free of the tourist
shenanigans associated with the famous Casale mosaics. Unfortunately, buses from

Piazza Armerina only run as far as the pretty village of Aidone (site of Morgantina’s
museum), with the archeological site itself another 5km beyond.

Aidone

Museo Archeologico Daily 9am–7pm • €6, or €10 with Morgantina • 0935 87 307 • Buses for Aidone leave
from Piazza Senatore Marescalchi in Piazza Armerina at least six times daily
With its quiet central square and thoroughly laidback air, AIDONE is a charming little

spot. There are a couple of agreeable bars on the square and a crumbling church, but
the true reason for a visit is the Museo Archeologico, impressively housed in a