The north-western coast of Sicily displays a pleasant naturalistic harmony: valleys surrounded by mountains, natural harbours, and small bays. This area was chosen by the Phoenicians, who established their second colony in Sicily in the 7th century BC: Solus (Solunto)
Our private day tour will start from the Archaeological Park of Solunto, where you will visit the main remains of the Hellenistic-Roman city that has strong Punic roots. The impressive ruins of the site reveal a Hippodamic urban layout that is marked by a main paved road, namely the so-called Agorà Street. Along both sides of this street, you will have the chance to see the houses of the ancient city such as those in a luxury peristyle. These houses are famous for their precious architectural details: mosaics, both in opus signinum and tessellated, and wall paintings, including Pompeian-style panels. At the end of the main street, we will see the public area, the agora, bounded by a monumental stoà on the west and other town’s major public buildings.
In the afternoon, we will visit Bagheria (the ancient Baarìa), that is famous for its Baroque mansions and villas surrounded by vineyards and lemon trees. Starting from the 17th century, thanks to Prince Giuseppe Branciforte, count of Raccuja, this area was chosen as holiday residence by the aristocratic families from Palermo, because it was far from the crowded and noisy city. All the villas of Bagheria, many of which are inhabited by the descendants of the first owners, are part of an unforgettable and charming era. Villa Palagonia will enchant us with its “monster park”, the sixty-two stone statues of grotesque figures around the walls of the ancient villa together with the other decorative eccentricities by Tommaso Napoli. Another interesting point of the town is Villa Cattolica, which holds an amazing modern art collection, that is partially dedicated to the local painter Renato Guttuso.
