Group Ancient Mosaic Course in Opus Signinum with Danilo Dianti – 3 days

Group Ancient Mosaic Course in Opus Signinum – 3 days

Group course at the mosaic school In Tessere – Narni (TR), Italy

Course description

Instructor: Danilo Dianti – craftsman with over 40 years of experience in cocciopesto techniques

This ancient mosaic course in Opus Signinum offers an immersion in Roman tradition through the use of cocciopesto. Danilo Dianti teaches how to prepare the mixtures, lay the material and create the characteristic finishes, with a practical approach focused on precision and respect for historic techniques.

Opus Signinum is made from a mixture of lime and ground terracotta fragments, often enriched with marble or stone tesserae. At the meeting point between construction and mosaic art, it combines strength, function and aesthetic value. Places are limited to 10 participants.

Upcoming course dates

• 18–20 November 2026 (3 days)
• 1–3 December 2027 (3 days)

Key information

• Duration: 3 days
• Total price: 540 €
• Number of participants: maximum 10 people
• Number of works created: 1 Opus Signinum sample or decorative surface
• Artwork dimensions: defined according to the teaching project
• Mosaic technique: Opus Signinum using lime, crushed terracotta and marble or stone tesserae
• Teaching structure: 20% theory – 80% practical work

What you will learn

• Origins and characteristics of Roman Opus Signinum
• Selection and preparation of lime and crushed terracotta
• Proportioning and working the mixtures
• Insertion of marble or stone tesserae
• Laying, compacting and levelling techniques
• Finishing and surface care

Course outline

Day 1

Historical and technical introduction to Opus Signinum. Study of materials, preparation of cocciopesto and development of the decorative design.

Day 2

Preparation of the mixture and support; laying, compacting and insertion of tesserae according to the project.

Day 3

Completion of the surface, levelling and traditional finishing. Guidance on care and conservation.
Presentation of the certificate of attendance and completed work.

Materials included

• Basic mosaic tool kit, included as a gift and kept by the participant
• Printed manual and handouts dedicated to the course technique
• Practice materials
• Materials and supports required to create the artwork

How to enrol

• You may purchase the full course or reserve your place with a €120 fee, which is non-refundable and valid for 1 year.
• The reservation fee will be deducted from the total course price.
• The remaining balance must be paid at the school on the first day of the course.