Mosaics and tiles in Sicily, Italy

Sicily is mosaic heaven and there are 650 photos here to guide you through the highlights. Situated at the "toe" of Italy and the crossroads of the Mediterranean, the island of Sicily has been enriched by classical cultures from all directions. The Roman mosaics at the Villa Romana del Casale near Piazza Armerina are North African in style; the Norman religious buildings of Cefalu cathedral, the Palatine chapel and La Martorana in Palermo, and Monreale cathedral all have spectacular Byzantine and Greek art. Arabic influences are everywhere in the Moorish architecture and geometrical decoration in buildings such as San Cataldo. Tradition and modernity are in harmony; the extraordinary tiled staircase in the ceramics stronghold of Caltagirone, for example, is complemented by a modern mosaic celebrating Sicily's heritage. Welcome to paradise!