Exploring San Guiseppe Jato and La Villa del Casale in Sicily

As the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily is often lauded as a gem of a holiday destination. With fewer tourists visiting than some of the other islands in the area, you can choose from an array of lovely villas in Sicily in which to stay. Whether you are looking to book something cheap and cheery and right on the beach, or prefer a luxury mountain locale, there are certainly more than enough options for villas. In Sicily, visitors can enjoy the stunning beaches, dabble in the history and fall in love with the locals and the traditions. No matter where you are staying on the island, the rest of it is completely accessible and and it's not hard to get out and about to explore the rich historical tapestry it offers.

San Guiseppe Jato

Located in the north west of the island, not too far from the city of Palermo, San Guiseppe Jato is easy to get to from any of the villas in Sicily. There is no shortage of ancient archaeological sites for you to visit, and San Guiseppe Jato is one of the best. Situated three kilometres outside the village, the site dates from around 1000 BC. The main theatre at the site was built in the fourth century BC and is modelled after those in ancient Greece. The theatre of ‘letas’ could hold about 40,000 spectators and is 70 metres long. You can also visit the temple of Aphrodite, built in 550 BC, which is considered to be the ancient settlement’s oldest public work. The main agora, or square, in the site is still preserved with the large sandstone slabs as the floor and an open area where the council of citizens held their meetings.

La Villa del Casale

Located three kilometres from Piazza Amerina, La Villa del Casale is a Roman building built in the first quarter of the fourth century AD. Definitely grander than most of the rental villas in Sicily, you will be greeted by the largest collection of Roman mosaics in the world. Constructed on the remains of an even older one, La Villa del Casale was almost forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1929. With a mix of official and residential rooms, the single story structure is slightly unusual in design due to the previous ruins and the landscape. Though only the main building has been excavated fully, the riches in mosaics and historical arts is second to none. Be sure to visit the Chamber of the Ten Maidens, the Little Hunt mosaic, the Great Hunt, the Giant Mosaic and much more. This site is considered so important that in 1997 it was inscripted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect villas in Sicily we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.