The Minister of Culture, Patricia del Pozo, has presented the work carried out on the mosaics of Neptune and Bacchus, which have restored the splendour of two 2nd-century pavements. The intervention, which lasted two months, is part of a comprehensive plan to restore the ten mosaics of the building.
The archaeological site of Itálica, in Santiponce, has recovered two of its most precious jewels. The mosaics of the Island of Neptune have been restored over the past two months, bringing to light the details of Neptune on his chariot drawn by hippocamps and the Dionysian scenes of the Bacchus mosaic. The Minister of Culture, Patricia del Pozo, visited the site to supervise the results.
A meticulous intervention on the Roman pavements
The work has focused on two key pieces. The Neptune mosaic, measuring 55 square metres, depicts the god of the sea surrounded by a marine retinue with dolphins, crustaceans, and mythical beings. The Bacchus mosaic, measuring 22 square metres, represents fourteen scenes from the life of Bacchus, including the striking image of Agave with the head of her son Pentheus. Both date back to the 2nd century.
Specialists have carried out a superficial cleaning to remove solid deposits, secured loose tesserae, and consolidated the original lime and sand mortars. Cracks have also been sealed, and a water-repellent product with nanoparticles has been applied to protect the surfaces from future deterioration. During the restoration, visitors were able to observe the process live.
Director's plan and new archaeological research
This action is the first step of the comprehensive restoration project of the ten mosaics of the Island of Neptune, framed within the Director's Plan for Itálica, approved in January 2026. The guidelines of the Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage (IAPH) will outline the next phases.
At the same time, the General Research Project ‘ItalicUS-2’, led by the University of Seville, is studying the spatial organization of the building. In 2025, it was discovered that the preserved mosaic area was larger than expected, highlighting the mosaic number 7, in a 28-metre-long gallery, with white, black, and red geometric motifs.
Itálica, a site that still holds secrets
The Island of Neptune, covering more than 5,000 square metres, is the only complete block of Itálica. Its function remains a mystery: it could have been domestic or communal. New interpretations of the Adrianean expansion as a ceremonial city open avenues for understanding its spaces.
For the residents of Santiponce and heritage lovers, this restoration is a source of pride. The mayor, Juan José Ortega, attended the presentation alongside the general director of Museums and Cultural Heritage, Aurora. Itálica attracts thousands of visitors each year, and these restored mosaics are an additional incentive to discover the birthplace of emperors Trajan and Hadrian.
Minister Del Pozo emphasized that “the conservation of our heritage is a priority.” Work will continue in the coming months on the remaining pavements, while archaeologists continue to unravel mysteries about life in the ancient Roman city.
