There were lots of mosaics of birds - enough to inspire me to think about making a Silver Grey Dorking mosaic.
I loved this mosaic of an apostle. He is the only one with hair that stands straight up - looks rather like Tom!
This mosaic was done by a master, and is in great shape. But many mosaics have not lasted through the centuries as well. We were interested to see the various repair techniques. The most interesting restorations were the ones one with paint. Unless you looked carefully with binoculars, it was hard to tell what parts of the ceiling were mosaic, and what parts were cleverly painted mimic the missing tiles.
This mosaic is famous because it shows Jesus dressed in Roman clothes, standing on a snake and a lion. The mosaic is high on a wall. The entire upper wall and ceiling are covered with mosaics.
We were in Ravenna, buying marble for the planned Dorking mosaic. The shopkeeper (click here to get to her mosaic & mosaic supply store) told us what was happening and was the first of many, many Italians to offer their sympathy and condolences. For the rest of the trip we, and the rest of Italy, watched events unfold on CNN.
Onion sellers at the outdoor market.
After Ravenna, we went to Parma.