Duino Mithraeum

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The Duino Mithraeum is a Mithraeum located near Duino, in the province of Trieste, north-eastern Italy. Mithraea were places of worship for the followers of the Roman mystery religion known as the Mithraic Mysteries. Unlike most other Mithraea, the Duino Mithraeum is a natural cave.

The Duino cave is located about two kilometers from the sources of Timavo river. At the center of the cave there are two benches and a square block of limestone that served as an altar during religious ceremonies. The lower wall has a plaque on two columns depicting the tauroctony, a standard iconic feature of the Mithraic Mysteries. 400 coins, oil lamps and a large number of jars were found in the cave.

Central dedication stone, depicting the tauroctony.


See also