22 Jul PIAZZA ARMERINA
NOT JUST VILLA ROMANA DEL CASALE
I am always excited about what Sicily offers to couples for their wedding abroad.
Let’s face it, the destination is very important if you want to go abroad to get married! For this reason, the destination you choose will make your wedding unique and stand out from the crowd!
I know what you’re thinking… it’s not easy to choose the right wedding destination in Sicily.
You’re absolutely right, which is why I suggest you some secret nooks for your destination wedding in Sicily.
Piazza Armerina is one of the island’s hidden gems.
INTRODUCTION
The beautiful medieval town of Piazza Armerina is located on a hill near Enna in the heart of Sicily
Piazza Armerina has a long history and was conquered by the Arabs in 861. Some of the main buildings are in Gothic style, but the most important have the characteristics of the Norman period.
The medieval part of the village is very interesting. In particular, the streets around the charming Baroque cathedral are narrow and contain some examples of Baroque architecture.
The city is best known for its Roman mosaic in the Villa Romana del Casale, about 3 kilometers from the city center, but this cool town has much more to offer.
IL PALIO DEI NORMANNI
Every year, from 12 to 14 August, there is a huge medieval jousting contest, well known as “Palio dei Normanni”, to honor the memory of the Normans, who drove out the Arabs and took over the town.
This event involves about 600 figurants: Ladies, dignitaries, knights, and Norman soldiers led by Count Ruggero the Norman, as you can see from the photos below, each of them wears medieval costumes and parades throughout the city streets.
The highlight of the event is “La Quintana del Saraceno”, the exciting horse ride where the 4 city districts compete for winning the Palio.
LANDSCAPES IN PIAZZA ARMERINA FOR A MEMORABLE WEDDING
Let me show you the special places for the ceremony and the ideal landscapes for a memorable wedding photo session in Piazza Armerina.
THE PERFECT WEDDING PHOTO LOCATIONS IN…
Villa Romana del Casale
The Imperial Villa del Casale may be the most beautiful and extensive Roman-era mosaic in the world, giving us an interesting insight into Roman life at the time. The Royal Villa Casale may be the most beautiful and extensive Roman-era mosaic in the world, giving us an interesting understanding of Roman life at that time.
Excavation work that began in 1929 uncovered the luxurious Patricia Villa, which was built in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries.
This work is of immortal importance in terms of historical value. Above all, it is noteworthy for the richness and the excellent quality of the mosaics which decorate almost every room. This is, in fact, one of the most luxurious villas of its kind. In other words, it is the finest mosaic anywhere in the world.
It spreads over three levels over an area of 3500 square meters. The complex is articulated in several buildings, such as the thermal baths, the caldarium, the octagonal frigidarium, the tepidarium, and just past the real entrance, there are rooms of different sizes and types.
The mosaics include The hunting scene, the famous sporty “bikini girl” and many classic and geometric examples.
This villa was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, proving how the Piazza Armerina’s countryside was the center of power and the pillar of the rural economy of the Western Roman Empire in Roman times.
Aragon Castle
This 14th-century Aragonese castle was built at the end of the 14th century under the order of King Martin I of Sicily. It is related to the history of the Aragonese who ruled Sicily after Anjou was expelled.
In 1812, the castle turned from a defensive structure into a prison, witnessing a fascinating history of transformation over the centuries. The castle has just been completed recently, and after years of negligence, it has now been fully restored.
SOME INTERESTING PLACES WORTH HAVING THE CEREMONY ARE:
– the Gran Priorato di Sant’Andrea (Grand Priory of Saint Andrew), the oldest church in Piazza Armerina, is one of the most interesting works of the Sicilian middle ages. It is founded by Count Simon of Butera, a nephew of Roger I of Sicily. It has important medieval frescoes.
-the Church of San Giovanni. The beauty of Borremans’ paintings and murals is the city’s greatest artistic expression, which has recently been restored to its original splendor.
– the Cathedral overlooks a square with a magnificent dome. As if that’s not enough, if you walk through the city in the narrow alleys, you can still see some Baroque and Renaissance that are undoubtedly valuable buildings.
– Palazzo Trigona, a magnificent palace built by the same family
– Il collegio dei Gesuiti. This is the old Jesuit college in the city. The building was built in the early 17th century and imposes itself to the visitors by its wide and high main door, preceded by some small steps. The interior is characterized by high brick columns. It housed a faculty of letters and a college of higher education. Today, the former college is a municipal library with 23,000 books.
– Garibaldi Theatre. The theatre was built to the east of the town, close to the 14th-century wall, opposite the church of St. Stefano. The specific construction date is unknown, but it is estimated to be 1800. After the wall collapsed in 1852, Giovanni Pastorelli rebuilt the façade in a Renaissance style in 1902. The theatre is now licensed as a venue for civil weddings.
And I’m not stopping there! There are also other interesting sights in Piazza Armerina, for example, the churches San Rocco (Baroque), Sant’Anna, la Commenda dei Cavalieri di Malta, San Pietro, Santo Stefano.
Special thanks to @giuseppe di vita for these beautiful pictures
WHY CHOOSE PIAZZA ARMERINA FOR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING
In short, Piazza Armerina is a picturesque village that offers tranquility and a unique atmosphere. Summer here is cooler than in coastal towns, so you can plan your summer wedding carefree. Piazza Armerina offers great opportunities for couples. Whether it is a civil ceremony, religious rite, or otherwise, this village welcomes guests from all over the world.
Amazing, isn’t it?
Are you thinking of getting married in Piazza Armerina? You could not make the best choice for your destination wedding!
It’s a GREAT idea to get married here. But it is a bit far from home…so I suggest you seek help from a local professional wedding planner to reduce stress and take full advantage of such a special wedding week.
We’ll find you the ‘hidden gems’ for your destination wedding in Sicily. See how.