Depart from the ship today and travel
the short distance to Britain’s largest and grandest
Roman villa. Covering 7 acres of land, Fishbourne was
accidentally discovered in 1960 by a workman digging
a water trench. Subsequent excavations have uncovered
the fact that the site had developed from a military
base at the time of the Roman invasion in AD43, to a
sumptuous palace by the end of the first century. Many
of the Palace’s 100 rooms are lavishly decorated
with intricate mosaics and painted walls, and the Roman
garden – the only known example to be in existence
in northern Europe - is laid out in the style of the
1st century AD.
Before returning to the ship, there is also time to
independently explore neighbouring Chichester, Capital
City of West Sussex and founded by the Romans. Perhaps
visit the imposing Norman Cathedral, consecrated in
1108 which houses more impressive Roman mosaics or enjoy
some shopping before returning to the ship.
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