Grotta della vipera, Roman funerary monument in Tuvixeddu necropolis, Cagliari, Italy
Grotta della Vipera is a Roman funerary monument carved into the limestone rock of Tuvixeddu hill in Cagliari. The structure features a facade with two columns, a pronaos, and two burial chambers accessible from an open-air courtyard.
The monument was constructed in the 2nd century as a tribute to a woman who sacrificed her life during her husband's illness. This tomb exemplifies Roman funerary practices and the reverence Romans held for marital bonds.
Inschriften in Latein und Griechisch an den Wänden erzählen von der Liebe zwischen zwei Menschen aus der Römerzeit. Die Worte sind heute noch lesbar und zeigen, wie wichtig Familienbindungen in dieser Epoche waren.
Access to the tomb is through an external courtyard where the burial chambers are visible from a distance. The terrain is moderately easy to navigate, though sturdy footwear is advisable given the hillside location.
Two serpents are carved into the architrave of the facade, giving the monument its distinctive name. These carved snakes symbolize the eternal bond between the couple and remain clearly visible today.
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