The wire-mesh installation was created in 2016 to restore the spatial volume of the 11th-century church that was lost to time.
The structure relies on 4,500 square meters of galvanized steel wire mesh.
Siponto was an important Roman colony and port city before its eventual abandonment due to earthquakes and malaria.
The original church contains a crypt and a mosaic floor from an even earlier paleo-Christian basilica dating to the 4th century.
The interior of the medieval church features an icon of the Virgin Mary, known as the Siponto Madonna, dating back to the Byzantine period.
The wire-mesh basilica is considered one of the most successful examples of contemporary art integrated into archaeological heritage.
The Basilica of St. Mary of Siponto is an ancient Romanesque church located in the archaeological park of the former city of Siponto, near Manfredonia. The site is globally recognized for its contemporary wire-mesh sculpture installation by artist Edoardo Tresoldi, which reconstructs the volume of the original early Christian basilica. The historic structure dates primarily to the 11th and 12th centuries, showcasing Pisan-Romanesque architectural influences. The adjacent metallic reconstruction stands 14 meters high and provides a ghost-like visual representation of the lost historical nave. The archaeological site also preserves the ruins of an older, late-antique paleo-Christian basilica with preserved floor mosaics. Excavations have revealed multiple layers of urban history spanning from the Roman era to the Middle Ages. The site remains a protected Italian state archaeological park.
Position yourself at the western end of the wire-mesh sculpture to capture the perfect alignment of the art piece against the sky.
Visit during the golden hour to see the wire-mesh installation cast intricate shadows across the archaeological site.
The site is largely outdoors; bring sun protection and water as there is minimal shade near the sculptures.
Combine your visit with the nearby National Archaeological Museum of Manfredonia for context on the artifacts found at the site.
Do not mistake the modern wire-mesh art piece for the original medieval structure; they are two distinct layers of the site.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a respectful tone; avoid climbing on the ruins or the artistic installations.
