Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra, Archaeological museum in Ravenna, Italy.
The Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra is an archaeological museum displaying fourteen rooms with ornate mosaic floors and marble decorations. The ancient residential complex sits approximately 3 meters (10 feet) below street level and is accessed via elevated walkways.
This Byzantine residential complex dates to the fifth and sixth centuries and originally housed wealthy families. It was accidentally discovered in 1993 during underground parking construction and subsequently excavated and studied.
The floor mosaics depict seasonal celebrations and daily scenes with dancing figures arranged in circular patterns that reflect the interests of wealthy residents. These images offer insight into how people of status lived and what they valued in their homes.
The entrance is located inside the Church of Santa Eufemia at Via Barbiani 16, from where elevated pathways guide you through the ancient rooms. The narrow walkways require careful footing as you view the mosaic floors up close from different angles.
An ancient Roman road runs through the site and originally separated two buildings, showing how the ancient city was laid out. This preserved pathway offers rare insight into how neighborhoods were organized and how public space functioned.
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