The Mosaic of Santa Elisabetta is located in the Chemistry Faculty of the University of Perugia and is among the most important monuments of the city. It was made in the 2nd century AD and depicts a lute-playing Orpheus.
Santa Elisabetta Mosaic Perugia
Useful information
Address: Via dell’Elce di Sotto, 8. Phone: +39 075 5855604-5. Opening times: Monday to Friday from 08:00 till 19:00. Ticket price: Free.
History and description
The name “Santa Elisabetta Mosaic” is actually slightly misleading. The mosaic is named after the Santa Elisabetta Church that used to be located in this site.
In reality the monument dated back to Roman times (2nd century AD) and was part of a large bathhouse.
The mosaic depicts Orpheus playing the lute. He is seated a rock and is surrounded by animals, who seem to be enchanted by the music. The entire work of art is made of black and white stones.
In 2005, the space where the mosaic was found was turned into a museum. It is open during the opening hours of the University.