Medusa Mosaic to Be Safeguarded from Winter Elements
Kibyra Ancient City, located on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, has become a popular destination for visitors. In the span of 9 months this year, approximately 19 thousand people have visited the ancient city, with the Medusa mosaic being the main attraction. Unearthed during excavations in the Odeion section in 2009, the Medusa mosaic will be protected this year from the harsh winter conditions. It was opened to visitors in May but will be covered on November 15.
According to the Kibyra Excavation Head at Mehmet Akif Ersoy University’s Archeology Department, Assoc. Dr. Şükrü Özü Doğru, the Medusa mosaic is unique due to its construction technique called ‘Opus Sectile’, which involves using colored marble pieces. He stated that the only surviving Medusa with this technique is found in the Kibyra odeion and is highly sought after by visitors. In recent years, the demand to see the Medusa mosaic has increased, resulting in a rise in the number of visitors. However, for its protection, the mosaic is covered for a certain period every year.
As the popularity of the Medusa mosaic continues to grow, it highlights the significance of preserving this ancient artifact. The efforts to protect it from winter conditions demonstrate the commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage of Kibyra Ancient City.
