The excursion in Patti begins with the visit of the Roman Villa, a few steps from the coast and from the village of Patti Marina. It deals with a big residential building of the late Roman Imperial period, extended over an area of about 20.000 meters square. The main part of the Villa is of the IV century A.D., but it includes buildings which date back to the II-III century A.D. The architectural structure and the decor share many similarities with the other main Sicilian Villas, in particular with the Villa of Casale of Piazza Armerina and the one of Tellaro, near Noto. During the visit, it will be possible to admire the large peristyle portico around which many rooms are developed, including the famous hall of the Medusa (an apsidal hall) and the splendid Sala Tricora (triclinum). All the rooms are beautifully decorated with polychrome mosaics that reproduce geometric, floral and animal motifs. Inside Villa Romana you can admire an exhibition hall (the Antiquarium) which preserves the archaeological finds from the Byzantine era, discovered during the archaeological investigations.
The guided tour of Patti continues in the Marconi square, with the entry in the Museum of Contemporary Arts and Ceramics, inside the Tourism Palace. This excursion carries on with a walk between the characteristic alleys of the old town center, which preserves its medieval charm and the old Cathedral, of which it will be possible to admire the splendid main facade of Norman style and the lateral portal of Baroque style. Here, you can also admire the worthy sarcophagus, from the Renaissance period, of Adelasia del Vasto, countess of Sicily and Queen of Jerusalem, mother of Roger II of Sicily. You will also enjoy the Cathedral Gallery, which preserves a collection of archaeological finds. On request, it is possible to visit the the Museum of the Old Ceramics of Patti, inside the old S. Francesco monastery, that guards a collection of more than 650 ceramics of different colours, shapes and styles, the church of San Ippolito, the church of the Agonizzanti, the church of Santa Febronia, the Church of San Michele, which preserves a marble ciborium by Antonio Gagini, and the Porta di San Michele (the only survivor of the Aragonese city wall).
Journey time: about 3 h
Date and time of departure: to be agreed.
Meeting Place: in the area in front of the Villa Romana, or in another place to be agreed (see the map)
Price guided tour: differ according to participant number
Villa Romana ticket: € 4 full, € 2 reduced, free from 0 to 18 years
It is possible to purchase only one ticket for visiting the Villa Romana of Patti Marina and Tyndaris Archeological Area: full € 8,00, reduced € 4,00.
Booking takes place no later than 48 hours prior departure.
For any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us either by email escursioni@associazionepfm.it or phone: +39 3313457538.
