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.