In order to visit the “Domus of the Stone Carpets” (Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra) in Ravenna, one must pass through the Sant’Eufemia Church. In 1993, some buildings from the Roman Republican period (from the 3rd century BC) were dicovered here. These were built on top of each other. The most notable building is a Byzantine mansion from the 6th century, consisting of 14 rooms and three courtyards.
Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra Ravenna
Useful information
The Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra is in Via Gian Battista Barbiani, 16 (Tel. +39 0544 32512). One has to pass through Sant’Eufemia Church to visit the monument. The nearest bus stop is in Via d’Azeglio (line 1). The Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra is open from 3 March to 5 October from 10am to 6.30pm. From 7 October to 2 March, opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays. Closed: 25 December. The entrance fee is 4 euros. A combi ticket (Cripta Rasponi, Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra and Museo Tamo) costs 7 Euro. Children under 6 and the disabled can enter for free. There is a special lift (maximum 190 kilos) for the disabled. (Note that prices and times may be subject to change.)
History and description
The Domus dei Tappeti di Pietra was only discovered in 1993. This archaeological site is located in an underground room near the Sant’Eufemia Church.
The total area of the site is about 700 square meters. The rooms date from different periods, and are built on top of each other.
The most striking building dates from the Byzantine era (6th century) and consists of 14 rooms, decorated with magnificent mosaics. The most famous ones are the “Good Shepherd” and the “Dance of the Genii of the Four Seasons”. The Buon Pastore is depicted with all his possessions as a powerful man, who is at the same time culturally literate. This is a break with traditional Christian iconography.
Besides the mosaics, there is also a lot of marble inlay work.