Orpheus Mosaic Declared Monument of Culture

TIRANA, March 9, The Orpheus mosaic, discovered in the basement of a private house in 1988 in the city of Durres, has been added to the list cultural monuments in Albania, local media reported. The mosaic, believed to date back to the 3rd century will finally be on display for local visitors and foreign tourists after being kept hidden for 22 years in the basement of a house in quarter 9 of the coastal city of Durres.
“Following its recognition as a cultural monument, the mosaic can be visited by Durres citizens, foreign tourists and even local tourists passing through Durres,” Ermion Arapi, the head of the regional Directorate for Protection of Cultural Monuments in Durres was quoted as saying by daily Shqip on Tuesday.
Archaeologist Afrim Hoti says excavations have revealed only part of the mosaic which features Orpheus, a poet and musician in Greek mythology, surrounded by plant and geometrical motifs. The mosaic has been created in cubic polychrome stones using the Opus tessellatum technique. The red, white, green and black are the colors dominating the mosaic, which researchers say could be a personification of Jesus Christ.
Archeologists have discovered some of the country’s most beautiful mosaics in the ancient city of Durres and its suburbs. Apart from the “Durres Beauty” mosaic which is on display at the National Historical Museum in Tirana, Durres is also known for its mosaic at the ancient Roman amphitheatre, the Arapaj Basilica and several others which are being preserved until displayed for public viewing.