Exhibition "Time Tiles: the Map of Madaba"

On the 4th May 2025, the exhibition "Time Tiles: the Map of Madaba" was inaugurated in the crypt of the Basilica of St. Anthony at the Lateran (Via Merulana 124, Rome). The exhibition, open to the public from the 5th-11th May 2025, is the result of the collaboration between the Italian Geographical Society and the School of Medieval and Franciscan Studies. 

Dating back to the sixth century, the Map of Madaba is a detailed mosaic representation of the Near East. It summarizes the cartographic knowledge of the Roman and Byzantine world and is "the most detailed remaining example of topographical representation of that area". 

The curator, Professor Margherita Azzari, highlighted the importance of the project: "It is truly a piece of the heart, in the sense that its realization not only highlights the first results of the ReMAP project, but it is a project that we would like, because we like to dream big, to be the starting point to achieve something even more important". 

"As in the Franciscan tradition, where nothing that is created is rejected or underestimated, this exhibition invites us to embrace with a contemplative gaze the tiles of a mosaic that help us to read the book of reality," said Fr. Massimo Fusarelli at the inauguration. He also emphasized the crucial role of the Custody of the Holy Land: "A fundamental role in this mission of dialogue is played by the Custody, entrusted to the Friars Minor by the Supreme Pontiffs, which has been taking care of the Holy Places for eight centuries." 

The exhibition is divided into four sections that allow visitors to explore the extraordinary Map of Madaba, a sixth-century mosaic preserved in the church of St. George in Madaba, Jordan. 

The visiting hours are: 

• Monday-Wednesday: 10:00-18:00 
• Thursday: 14:00-22:00 
• Friday-Saturday: 10:00-18:00 
• Sunday: 9:00-12:00 and 15:00-18:00. 

Read the inaugural speech of the Minister General (Italian)