Cathedral Crypt Mosaic
A remarkable mosaic from Late Roman times
Timetable
From Monday to Friday
9.00 am - 12.30 pm
Housed in the Diocesan Museum of Reggio Emilia, the mosaic discovered beneath the Cathedral crypt is one of the most significant Late Roman mosaic floors in northern Italy.
Unearthed during archaeological excavations beneath the cathedral, the mosaic is believed to have belonged to an elegant private residence dating back to the 4th century AD.
Crafted from stone tesserae, coloured glass and gold-leaf details, it stands out for its rich polychrome decoration and exceptional state of preservation.
Geometric patterns, birds, dancing figures and captivating mythological scenes inspired by the pagan world make this mosaic a fascinating testament to a period of profound change in Roman history, when ancient traditions still coexisted with the rise of Christianity.
Regarded by scholars as one of the finest 4th-century AD mosaics between Bologna and Piacenza, it is a must-see for anyone interested in archaeology, art and ancient history.
