Roman mosaic discovered under Valpolicella vineyards in Negrar

A well-preserved Roman mosaic floor from a 3rd-century AD villa has been unearthed beneath vineyards in Negrar di Valpolicella, near Verona. The mosaic features geometric patterns in vivid blue and vermillion. The villa was first identified in the 1920s, with subsequent excavations in 1975 and summer 2019, when archaeologists led by Gianni de Zuccato of the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Verona uncovered walls, stone flooring, and steps. Excavations resumed in May 2020 after a COVID-19 lockdown, revealing the mosaic and foundations. The site is on private land, but the municipality and owners are cooperating to make it accessible to the public, though significant resources and time are needed. The discovery adds to understanding of the villa's extent and could transform Valpolicella from a wine tourism destination into an archaeological attraction.