Villa Romana del Tellaro
Sicily
Archaeological Sites in Sicily
The Villa Romana del Tellaro is a luxurious building of 6,000 sqm of the 4th century A.D., decorated with wonderful refined floor mosaics. Measured in terms of the amount of surface covered by mosaics, this villa cannot compete with the better known villa in Piazza Armerina, but the artistic quality of the mosaics is definetely comparable.
The mosaics include the so-called 'Hunting Mosaic' with figures of hunters and wild African animals, surrounded by a colourful frieze with geometric patterns and animals. Then there are a geometric mosaic carpet with intersecting garlands of laurel, the redemption of Hector's body, and a frame consisting of squares with bacchic scenes and four imaginative vases overflowing with fruit.
A visit to the Villa Romana del Tellaro comes recommended to all those who like all things off the beaten path and who want to avoid the crowds and high entrance fee at the Villa Romana del Casale.