Fondazione Aquileia and the rediscovery of the mosaic ‘tappeto fiorito’

We open 2026 with the report of a ‘rediscovery’ that took place a few days ago, in December 2025. It is a 76 square meter mosaic (10.10 x 7.60) that has finally been unveiled. It reemerged, almost completely intact, a stone’s throw from the forum of Aquileia, a city of Roman foundation in Friuli Venezia Giulia. We are exactly in the garden of the former carabinieri barracks on via Leicht, recently acquired by Fondazione Aquileia. The mosaic of the “flowered carpet” is considered one of the most refined expressions of the mosaic art of Aquileia. It is important to emphasize that this is a ‘return to light’ because the mosaic, already discovered 60 years ago, had been covered to protect it from the elements and ruin, as often happens with archaeological sites, either due to lack of funds or for other needs.

As explained: “the discovery occurred during the preliminary work for the renovation of the building, which will become a campus-hostel with 24 beds intended for students, professors, and researchers involved in the excavations and research at the site of Aquileia”.

The origin of the name and the discovery of the mosaic 60 years ago

The name “tappeto fiorito” was assigned by Luisa Bertacchi. It derives from the characteristic spread of stylized flowers that makes up the central panel distinguishing it from other mosaic floors. The tiles are of various colors such as ochre, pink, and green. The intricate plant-inspired pattern is framed by a braid that echoes the same colors. This is further enhanced by a frame with bands of black and white tiles. The archaeologist discovered it between 1962 and 1963 together with the Soprintendenza. She dated it, following an initial investigation, to the 2nd century AD.
The Foundation is therefore preparing the project for the mosaic’s covering. This, in close collaboration with the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio for the FVG.

It will be an unmissable stop for visitors who will undertake the visit route that leads from the forum to the river port.

www.fondazioneaquileia.it

Giorgia Basili

She has collaborated for many years with art magazines such as Artribune, XIBT Contemporary, ArtApp, Insideart and Espoarte, preferring contemporary art in its many facets and media drifts.