Late Antique Public House with Mosaics (IV-VI century)

Overview

The preserved “in situ” late antique mosaics (IV-VI century) are an interesting mixture of archaeological remains from antique times and modern architecture. They were found in the basement of the Post Office.

The representative hall, anteroom and porticoes of the public building, which is close to the southern wall of the ancient city of Augusta Traiana, are decorated with floor mosaics.

In a multicolor mosaic wall-panel situated in the representative hall there is imparted the idea of the seasons and the eternal recurrence through allegories and symbols interwoven into the picturesque piece of artwork.

The mosaic in the three-clinium is made using a very rare in Augusta Traiana technique "opus Sextile” of geometric elements. All elements are made of multicolored marble and ceramic castings.

Most likely, the building was the residence of the governor of the city, transformed later into episcopal center.