Illustration — photo coming soon
The Roman villa at Callow Hill, near Stonesfield, takes you back nearly two thousand years to when this corner of the Cotswolds was home to a prosperous and cultured settlement.
The site was first uncovered in the early 18th century, and what the excavators found was remarkable: a sophisticated villa complex complete with an exceptional mosaic depicting Orpheus playing his lyre, surrounded by animals. This mosaic was such a fine example of Roman craftsmanship that it's now displayed in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, but the villa's location itself remains accessible to visitors.
The actual remains have been carefully reburied for protection, though information boards dotted around the site help you piece together the layout and understand how people lived and worked here in Roman times. It's the kind of place that rewards a thoughtful wander, perhaps an hour spent moving through the Oxfordshire countryside and contemplating the history literally beneath your feet.
Stonesfield village is right on your doorstep and makes for a pleasant stroll, and if you want to make a longer afternoon of it, Woodstock is just a short drive away. The historic market town has Blenheim Palace to explore, plus plenty of cafes and pubs where you can grab something to eat before moving on.
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