Ravenna's site-specific mosaic pavement must be removed despite public outcry
Ravenna is currently at odds with the Soprintendenza regarding the mosaic installation 'Pavimento' by Nicola Montalbini, which was showcased at the 9th Biennale di Mosaico Contemporaneo that concluded on January 18, 2026. This 50-meter artwork, which fuses medieval and modern themes, was placed beneath Porta Adriana. Although it was intended to be a temporary piece, its popularity led the city to suggest either a permanent installation or an extension until June 2026, both of which were denied by the Soprintendenza, which mandated its removal by January 25. Culture assessor Fabio Sbaraglia is exploring alternative sites. Montalbini remarked that the piece was not fixed, complicating long-term display. The situation has sparked public interest, prompting MP Ouidad Bakkali to question Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli.
Key facts
- Nicola Montalbini created a site-specific mosaic pavement for the 9th Biennale di Mosaico Contemporaneo in Ravenna.
- The installation 'Pavimento' was placed under Porta Adriana and measured 50 meters.
- The work features a bestiary with medieval and contemporary references, including a mermaid attacked by piranhas and a cat with an ice cream cone.
- Montalbini collaborated with the Gruppo Mosaicisti di Ravenna, students from the Accademia Statale di Belle Arti di Ravenna, and the city council.
- The Biennale concluded on January 18, 2026, and the work was initially temporary.
- The municipality proposed making the work permanent or extending its display until June 2026.
- The Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Ravenna rejected both proposals, citing incompatibility with the historical context.
- The Soprintendenza ordered removal by January 25, 2026.
- Culture assessor Fabio Sbaraglia is seeking an alternative location in the historic center.
- MP Ouidad Bakkali submitted a parliamentary question to Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli.
- Montalbini noted the work was only laid on the pavement, not embedded, making long-term display technically unfeasible.
- The mosaic is unique in Ravenna as a walkable artwork, unlike the city's wall mosaics.
Entities
Artists
- Nicola Montalbini
- Marco Santi
Institutions
- Biennale di Mosaico Contemporaneo
- Accademia Statale di Belle Arti di Ravenna
- Gruppo Mosaicisti di Ravenna
- Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Ravenna
- Comune di Ravenna
- Artribune
Locations
- Ravenna
- Porta Adriana
- Italy