In the middle of the city of Elbasan is discovered the mosaic of the Paleochristian Basilica. Albanian schorals and French archaeologists are recording all the details.
Specialists at the Institute of Monuments of Culture along with the French scholar Marie Patricia Raynaud have opened the mosaic of the Paleokristian Basilica in the center of the city of Elbasan. The group of specialists is studying and documenting all the details of this mosaic which, according to French scholar, is the most beautiful in Albania and beyond.
"It's an interesting Basilica, a bit complicated because we found part of the architecture, part of the liturgy, but the most impressive is the mosaic. From 2007-2012 were found some mosaics here, and its central part is the Church domed which contains the most beautiful mosaic that we have in Albania. Because the iconography and the themes are very rich, there are many animals, excellent panels, but above all a variety of colors, much more than in other mosaics," said Marie Patricia Raynaud, Paris Research Center.
Discovered in 2007 as one of the most beautiful mosaics in the country, the main goal has been to approach and attract tourists. About the French researcher suggests:
"The mosaic should be kept where it is, so it is not removed and placed in the museum because it is still in very good conditions, here inside the church. We think that the best thing is for people to see the mosaic, but it should not be touched by water, rain, or debris. So the best thing is that the mosaic has a cover from which you can see it, but do not touch it," added Marie Patricia Raynaud.
An important part of the project is its preservation and stopping further degradation. The Monument Institute is restoring the endangered parts to avoid slipping and breaking the mosaic fragments.
