A Roman Villa, Sesame, Sausages and Baby Jesus!

May 8, 2023

We had an early departure from Palermo and headed across Sicily to the town of Noto on the east coast of the island.

On the way, we stopped to visit with Serena Raffiota, a local archeologist and private guide to the area, who, along with her father has been instrumental in having antiquities returned to the area that were illegally acquired by museums such as the Getty and the Met. She walked us through the Museo di Aidone where a number of these local artifacts have been returned and are now on display. She is one of those rare individuals who can make the past come alive.

After a light yet delicious lunch nearby at Trattoria La Ruota, Serena accompanied us to the Villa Romana del Cassale. It is believed that this 60 room villa was owned by a member of the Roman senatorial aristocracy, who lived here with his wife and 4 children.