Visit the mosaic museum
The museum of mosaics in Devnia presents roman and early byzantine mosaics from Marcianopolis. The idea of its construction was born in the course of archaeological research, which began in 1976, and continued for 5 seasons with interruptions. During these investigations, archaeologists discovered a large late roman building with mosaics (villa urbana), on whose remains the museum of mosaics was later built according to the project of architect Kamen Goranov.
Discovered in the museum
Take a look at the mosaics created by the children of the city of Devnia, who were inspired by the ancient mosaics in the museum. In the municipality of Devnya there are many talented children with interests in the field of applied arts. Works depicting iconic motifs such as the face of the Gorgon Medusa are on permanent display at the Mosaic Museum.
Children
workshop
Many objects from the everyday life of the then inhabitants were found in the museum. You can see a reconstruction of the city and the building where the mosaics were discovered. The marble sundial is particularly interesting - the only one in our country found in a private building.
Historical reenactments and unique items
The golden coin hoard was discovered in 2019 by the archaeologist Hristo Kuzov, during the study of a late antique building burned during the great Hun invasion in 447. The treasure consists of 19 solid gold coins minted in the name of Emperor Theodosius II (402-450), ruler of the Eastern Roman Empire. The coins depict significant political events in the imperial court.
Gold Coin Treasure
How to use the app:
Relive the legends of the mosaics through the augmented reality app!
1. Install the application on your mobile phone.
2. Point the phone at the markers hanging on the walls in the museum.
3. Smoothly move the phone to the tiles.
4. Explore the animations telling the stories of Medusa, Zeus, Antiope, Ganymede and learn about traditions and life in the past.
Augmented reality application
Download the app:
Markers for individual scenes:
The mosaics of the museum
Mosaic with seasons
Images - personifications of the four seasons - are sometimes found in ancient mosaic art. Usually they are represented as female figures or busts, located at the four corners of the premises - alone or together with other images and scenes. Each of them carries in her hand or on her head characteristic attributes related to the respective season. In this mosaic, the seasons are represented by additional elements in the corners. Only the bust of autumn and part of the attribute of summer - a wreath of wheat ears - have been preserved. In the center of the mosaic was a circular emblem. It is figurative in nature, surrounded by complex and not always correctly intertwining geometric figures. The empty spaces formed in places were filled with geometric motifs or various images. A bird pecking grapes and a pair of Roman sandals are preserved. Stone, ceramic and enamel pebbles were used to make this mosaic.
Mosaic with geometric motifs
The mosaic with geometric motifs was discovered in 1949 during excavations in the eastern part of Marcianople. It was part of an ancient building with mosaic floors. Its decoration consists of repeated geometric motifs in several colors, made of relatively large stone and clay cubes. Based on the findings, it is considered that the building in which it was discovered dates back to the 4th century. It was probably destroyed during the attack of the Goths in 378.
Mosaic with Medusa - Gorgon
Der Kopf der Medusa-Gorgon ist ein häufiges Bild auf Bodenmosaiken aus der Römerzeit, findet sich aber auch in Fresken, Reliefs und Skulpturen. In diesem Mosaik ist sie als Emblem auf einem runden Schild dargestellt. Um den Effekt zu verstärken, ist der Schild in Schwarz und Weiß ausgeführt. In den Ecken des Mosaiks sind verschiedene exotische Tiere abgebildet. Zur Herstellung wurden Marmor-, Kalkstein-, Keramik- und Emailkiesel verwendet. In der antiken griechischen Mythologie sind die Gorgonen drei Schwestermonster, Kinder der Meeresgottheiten Forkis und Keto, Enkelinnen der Erde Gaia und des Meeres Pontus. Die Namen der Gorgonen sind Stheno, Euryala und Medusa. Medusa ist die kleinste Gorgone und die einzige Sterbliche der drei Schwestern. Die Gorgonen durchstreiften den westlichsten Teil der antiken Welt und erreichten die Küsten des Ozeans. Es ist kein Zufall, dass das Wort „Gorgon“ „schrecklich“ bedeutet. Sie zeichneten sich durch ihr schreckliches Aussehen aus - weibliche Kreaturen mit Wolfszähnen und schuppigen Flügeln, die Schlangen anstelle von Haaren hatten. Gorgonen konnten jedes Lebewesen mit nur einem Blick in Stein verwandeln. Als Perseus Medusa enthauptete, benutzte er seinen Kupferschild, in dem er ihr Spiegelbild sah. Der Legende nach gab der antike griechische Held seinen Kopf der Göttin Athene, die ihn auf ihren Schild legte, um die Götter und ihre Nachkommen - die Menschen - zu erschrecken.
Mosaic with Zeus and Antiope
The legend of Antiope was used frequently in ancient literature and art. Besides this mosaic, three others with this plot have been preserved: two in Algeria and one in Spain. The mosaic with Zeus and Antiope was made by eastern masters and is distinguished by its high quality. Pebbles, marble, ceramics and enamel, as well as small pieces of earthenware, were used to make it. Next to the figures depicting the meeting of Zeus and Antiope, transformed as a satyr, there are Greek inscriptions, and around them - a rich frame of geometric motifs and various exotic birds. According to Homer, Antiope was the most beautiful daughter of the Boeotian river god Aesop. According to another later and widespread legend, she was the daughter of King Nycteus of the region of Hyria, Asia Minor. According to legend, Zeus was in love with her and seduced her, transforming into a young satyr. Later she gave birth to his sons, the twins Amphion and Zetus, on Mount Kytheron. Enraged by what happened, Antiope's father kicked her out. Epopeus, the king of Sicon, sheltered her and married her. But Antiope's uncle killed Epopeus and captured the beauty, returning her to her homeland as a prisoner, where Epopeus' wife, Dirca, tortured her. When Amphion and Zetus grew up, they avenged their mother by killing Dirca.
Mosaic with Ganymede
In ancient Greek mythology, Ganymede is the most beautiful youth among all mortals. He was the son of Calliroa and the Trojan king Tross (or Laomedon). Zeus was captivated by his beauty, so he transformed himself into an eagle, kidnapped Ganymede and carried him to Olympus. There, Ganymede was made the cupbearer of the gods and was gifted with eternal youth. His abduction is one of many common themes in ancient art. In this mosaic, the moment when Ganymede defends himself from the eagle - Zeus, of which only the wings and part of the head have been preserved, is presented. Apart from the geometric motifs, various birds, lion, lioness, antelope and deer are depicted in the frame around the figures.
Mosaic interior corridor
The mosaic is preserved from a preserved part of the corridor of the late Roman mosaic building Villa Urbana. The corridor, the floor of which was covered with the mosaic, connected the rooms on the lower level of the building.
Welcome!
Work time
May - September: 10:00 - 16:00,
no day off
October - April: 10:00 - 16:00, weekends - Saturday and Sunday
Contact us
Devnya 9160 73, Saedinenie Blvd.
+359 519 34 440, +359 882 699 948
The project was implemented with the financial support of the National Fund "Culture"
