Piazza Armerina, Italy Tourism

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of the Monti Erei. Most people merely pass through it on their way to see the mosaics in the nearby Villa Casale, but the town itself is most attractive, with a wealth of churches, and well worth a more detailed visit.

History

Piazza Armerina is a comparatively young town, having been founded in 1080 by the Norman Count Roger. He settled Lombards here to keep a watch on surrounding towns occupied by Saracens. In 1161, following a rebellion by Lombard barons, it was destroyed by order of the Norman King William I, but rebuilt in 1163. By 1296 it had become sufficiently attractive for Frederick III of Aragon to summon the Sicilian parliament here. It enjoyed its halcyon days during the 14th and 15th centuries, and again in the 17th century. It has been an episcopal see since 1817.

The square-built Castello Spinelli, with its towers and bastions, was constructed in the 14th century. Built in the Norman style are the church of San San Giovanni.