Türkiye reopens 2,000-year-old Medusa mosaic in ancient city of Kibyra

A rare marble Medusa mosaic has been unveiled in Kibyra, Türkiye, where it has been protected for the winter

BURDUR, Türkiye (MNTV) – A nearly 2,000-year-old mosaic of Medusa, one of the rarest examples of ancient marble craftsmanship, has been reopened to the public in the ancient city of Kibyra, located in the Gölhisar district of southwestern Türkiye’s Burdur province.

The intricate floor mosaic, crafted using the rare “opus sectile” technique with finely cut colored marble pieces, lies at the center of the odeon in the ancient city of Kibyra, reported Daily Sabah. 

This Roman-era structure once functioned as a concert hall, courtroom, and assembly venue, located about 108 kilometers from the Burdur city center.

The Medusa mosaic, which had been carefully covered during the winter months to protect it from the region’s harsh weather, was unveiled once again with the arrival of spring. 

Visitors will have access to the mosaic until the end of November 2025, according to the head of the Kibyra excavations, Professor Şükrü Özüdoğru of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University.

Experts note that the depiction of Medusa—who in Greek mythology was said to turn onlookers to stone with her gaze—was likely intended to serve as a protective symbol for the odeon. 

The mosaic is considered one of the best-preserved and most distinctive examples of its kind globally, due to both its artistic merit and the durability of its materials.