Western Archaeological Zone

The Western Archaeological Zone is opposite the Roman Odeon and it includes the Western Baths, the paved road (Cardo), Xistos Road of the Gymnasium (2 nd century B.C), Nympheon (Forica, Public Urinals 3 rd century A.D), the Basilica (5 th -6 th century A.D), and the residential area with the House of Europe where the famous mosaic “The Abduction of Europe” lies covered (3 rd century A.D). Among the many well-preserved mosaics, the one with the 9 Muses stands out. In 1938 Morricone excavated the western Gymnasium’s NE section and Greek archaeologists identified the NW section in 1978. 17 columns made of local white marble were brought to light by the Italians, which were restored, but only 4 of them still stand after the earthquake of 2017. (The Xistos Road of the Gymnasium, i.e. the covered road for sports which prevented the athletes from getting wet from the rain or melting from the sun).