The mosaic in the Paleochristian Basilica of Lin, Pogradec, will remain accessible to visitors until the end of May. The news is announced by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (NICH).

This basilica, with an area of ​​158 m2, is one of the most important monuments of cultural heritage, preserving almost the entire floor plan and mosaic pavement. The basilica was first discovered in 1967.

The Lin mosaic was declared a Cultural Monument of Category I in 1973. The mosaic was unearthed from excavations in 1969 conducted in Lin, Pogradec. The excavations revealed an Illyrian settlement dating back to the Iron Age and extending into the Early Middle Ages. Among the mosaics discovered at this site, the richness of a diverse zoomorphic, floral, and geometric decorative motif stands out, with outstanding artistic values. Artistically, the mosaics resemble the style of a wide Balkan region, including cities like Dyrrachium, Stobi, Thessaloniki, etc.

The Paleochristian Basilica, along with its mosaics, dates back to the 6th century AD. Among other things, the data emphasizes that the Basilica had seven main rooms, paved with mosaics. The motifs used include various scenes such as “the Eucharist,” motifs with guilloche patterns, scenes from the aquatic world, birds, various flowers with the most interesting being lotus flowers, or the broken cross symbol of the sun, as well as some motifs rarely used in other mosaics in Albania, such as hares and bees.

As part of the collaboration between National Institute of Cultural Heritageand the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë, during the “International Day for Cultural Heritage,” “Mosaic Weeks” are being held to give the public more opportunities to become acquainted with the wonderful wealth of mosaics. The mosaic will remain open until the end of May.

/k.s/