The area, on the edge of the Punic and Roman necropolis of Lilybaeum east of the ancient city, is set within a vast complex of latomie, used by the early Christian community as a cemetery. Of these, that of the Niccolini constitutes the main nucleus. Later, the area became the garden of the convent of the Augustinian Fathers, known precisely as the Niccolini, near the church of Santa Maria dell’Itria.
\nThe latomie, originally open quarries for the extraction of calcarenite during the building expansion of the Roman city of Lilybaeum (late 2nd-early 3rd century AD), were reused as a cemetery between the 3rd and 4th centuries by groups of different religions, both Christian and Jewish. In the latomia of the Niccolini, in fact, as in other cemetery areas of Lilybaeum, oil lamps with the Jewish symbol of the menorah have been found. Studies conducted since the late 19th century have revealed burial complexes with arcosoli, loculi and wall niches. However, abandonment, construction of the adjacent modern cemetery, and contemporary stone quarrying activities have compromised the state of preservation of the burials and destroyed many valuable frescoes.<\/p>\n
Within the latomia, archaeological investigations in 1996 discovered a complex consisting of two cubicula with a Greek cross plan and a third with an L-shaped plan, as well as seventeen monolithic sarcophagi. The central arcosolium of the northwest complex preserves a rich pictorial decoration with Christological symbols and red rosebuds.
\nThe most outstanding feature is a small southern room with three arcosoli, the floor of which is decorated with a polychrome mosaic depicting a kantharos with water spouts. The parapets of two tombs preserve painted scenes reminiscent of Hellenistic-Alexandrian culture and North African mosaics. The frescoes depict river landscapes and hunting scenes, with floral motifs also common in other Lilyba contexts, alluding to the paradisiacal environment.
\nVisits are by archaeologists from the ArcheOfficina cooperative.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Explore the Latomie dei Niccolini in Lilybaeum, a fascinating archaeological area that combines history and art. Ancient Roman quarries, these latomie were transformed into cemeteries by the early late antique Christian community. Admire the frescoes, polychrome mosaics and floral decorations that adorn the burials. Travel back in time between the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, immersed in the beauty and spirituality of the garden of the Augustinian Fathers’ convent.
\nThe cemetery complex is one of the most important testimonies to the Christian funerary art of Lilybaeum and Sicily, with frescoes and mosaics that recall Hellenistic-Alexandrian and North African cultures. The site offers not only a historical-archaeological visit, but also gives an exciting and evocative experience, being immersed in an ancient garden, grown within an old quarry.<\/p>\n
DAYS AND TIMES: Saturday and Sunday<\/strong> SINGLE TICKET<\/b>: \u20ac5 full\/\u20ac3.50 reduced <\/b>(6-18 years old, college students under 26)<\/p>\n CUMULATIVE TICKET <\/b>(S. Maria della Grotta+Latomy of the Niccolini+Hypogeum of Crispia Salvia): \u20ac12 full\/\u20ac7 reduced<\/b><\/p>\n CONTACT:<\/strong>
\nOctober through May: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4 p.m.-5 p.m. (or by appointment) (last admission 4 p.m.)
\nJune through September: Saturday afternoons 5 p.m.-8 p.m. – Sunday: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m.<\/p>\n
\nTo arrange your own visit by reservation for tour groups or school groups, on days and times other than regular openings, send a request via e-mail or WhatsApp at least one week in advance indicating the expected number of participants and the day or time requested to: 3514849420 | lilibeo@archeofficina.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2171,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_joinchat":[]},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[61,60],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-2469","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-lilybaeum-park","product_cat-monuments","first","instock","sale","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-simple"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n