Domus of the Stone Carpets, Ravenna
The Domus of the Stone Carpets is an intriguing archaeological site. Situated approximately three meters beneath the Church of Sant'Eufemia, this remarkable underground complex was serendipitously discovered in 1993 during excavation work for underground garages on via D'Azeglio 47. The site reveals a palace adorned with exquisite mosaics and marble inlays that date back to the Byzantine period.
The mosaic floors within this site span an impressive surface area of 700 square meters, showcasing a stunning array of geometric, botanical, and figurative elements. Among the most renowned mosaics found here are the "Dance of the Geniuses of the Four Seasons" and "The Good Shepherd."
Dance of the Geniuses of the Four Seasons: This mosaic presents four human figures engaged in a captivating dance. On the left, you can observe a character attired in red with a crown of roses, symbolizing Spring. At the bottom, there is a figure draped in white, representing Autumn. Meanwhile, the character at the top, cloaked in green, signifies Winter. These seasonal figures join hands in a dance, with Summer missing from the scene, as the corresponding mosaic is no longer extant. In the upper right corner, a musician playing a reed flute adds to the charm of the composition.
The Good Shepherd: In this mosaic, the Good Shepherd is portrayed in a unique interpretation that deviates from traditional Christian representations. The Good Shepherd is depicted as youthful with short hair and wears a light blue tunic paired with an orange cloth around the neck. Sandals adorn his feet, and he holds a staff in his left arm. Flanking the Good Shepherd are two fawns, one on each side. Behind these fawns stand two trees, each as tall as the Good Shepherd himself, with birds perched on their branches. Although this mosaic exhibits some damage, including the partial loss of the Good Shepherd's face, it remains a captivating piece.
The monument was officially inaugurated on October 30, 2002, by the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. This event marked the celebration of the 1600th anniversary of Ravenna as the "Capital of the Western Roman Empire." Additionally, the Domus of the Stone Carpets received the Bell'Italia Award in 2004, further recognizing its historical significance and cultural value.
The mosaic floors within this site span an impressive surface area of 700 square meters, showcasing a stunning array of geometric, botanical, and figurative elements. Among the most renowned mosaics found here are the "Dance of the Geniuses of the Four Seasons" and "The Good Shepherd."
Dance of the Geniuses of the Four Seasons: This mosaic presents four human figures engaged in a captivating dance. On the left, you can observe a character attired in red with a crown of roses, symbolizing Spring. At the bottom, there is a figure draped in white, representing Autumn. Meanwhile, the character at the top, cloaked in green, signifies Winter. These seasonal figures join hands in a dance, with Summer missing from the scene, as the corresponding mosaic is no longer extant. In the upper right corner, a musician playing a reed flute adds to the charm of the composition.
The Good Shepherd: In this mosaic, the Good Shepherd is portrayed in a unique interpretation that deviates from traditional Christian representations. The Good Shepherd is depicted as youthful with short hair and wears a light blue tunic paired with an orange cloth around the neck. Sandals adorn his feet, and he holds a staff in his left arm. Flanking the Good Shepherd are two fawns, one on each side. Behind these fawns stand two trees, each as tall as the Good Shepherd himself, with birds perched on their branches. Although this mosaic exhibits some damage, including the partial loss of the Good Shepherd's face, it remains a captivating piece.
The monument was officially inaugurated on October 30, 2002, by the President of the Republic, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. This event marked the celebration of the 1600th anniversary of Ravenna as the "Capital of the Western Roman Empire." Additionally, the Domus of the Stone Carpets received the Bell'Italia Award in 2004, further recognizing its historical significance and cultural value.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ravenna. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Domus of the Stone Carpets on Map
Sight Name: Domus of the Stone Carpets
Sight Location: Ravenna, Italy (See walking tours in Ravenna)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ravenna, Italy (See walking tours in Ravenna)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Ravenna, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Ravenna
Creating your own self-guided walk in Ravenna is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ravenna Introduction Walking Tour
Ravenna may not appear on everyone’s Italy wish list like Venice or Rome, but it’s worth visiting during your Italian holiday. Often referred to as the "capital of mosaics", the city is known for its well-preserved late Roman and Byzantine architecture comprising the UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna").
Initially settled by the Umbri... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Initially settled by the Umbri... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Byzantine Mosaics Walking Tour
What are precious jewels, you may ask. Well, let me tell you – Ravenna’s Byzantine mosaics are surely among the most sparkling, spectacular, and valuable. So much so that they were recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996.
Indeed, Ravenna is like no other place in Italy, and the magnificence of its mosaics can leave you with a stiff neck. The intricate mosaic work achieved some of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Indeed, Ravenna is like no other place in Italy, and the magnificence of its mosaics can leave you with a stiff neck. The intricate mosaic work achieved some of... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles