Last week we found out how archaeological excavations carried out following the renovation of Palazzo Mauri in Spoleto have brought back to light a wonderful mosaic, a certainly significant evidence to begin to outline the urban situation of the Duchy’s capital city.
Likewise, in 2005, as part of a project for the restoration and consolidation of Palazzo Pianciani, a baptistry with mosaic flooring was identified – also in this case built above thermal baths dating back to the Roman period. The use of large polychrome tiles and the iconographic characteristics lead to think the mosaic dates around the VII-VIII century AD.
The mosaic shows a geometric decoration, inside which two square decorative panels are inserted, one of which is figurative and polychrome. The representation has a clear symbolic meaning connected to the rite of baptism: two deer and two doves are at the sides of a kantharos (ancient Greek cup) whose water quenches the deer’s thirst, two shoots with fruits are pecked by the doves, and at the centre, a peacock with its tail open symbolizes the soul renewed by baptism.
The restoration work on Palazzo Pianciani has made it possible to recover an area of 8,343 square metres and to return two noble floors characterised by an excellent decorative layout.
The building is the headquarters of the Banco Desio; to visit the mosaic, you need to contact the bank.
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- The aurifex and the techniques used in Goldsmithing at the times of the Langobards | 27 April 2020
- The aurifex and the importance of Goldsmithing in the Duchy of Spoleto | 20 April 2020
