The Archaeological Park of Siponto and the Tresoldi’s artwork

This Archaeological Park tells the weightiness that the ancient Siponto achieved during the Roman era.

The ruins of the Early Christian Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore remind us of the importance of this diocese for the Region. Its architecture with three naves, the central apsis, and the mosaic floor proves the magnificence of this Basilica.

Today on these ruins we find the huge Edoardo Tresoldi’s artwork “Where art rebuild the time”.

Tresoldi indeed rebuilt the Basilica of Siponto in 2016, with 4.500 meters of the metal net in a huge architecture 14 meters high and 7 tons weight.

This artwork gave to Siponto the glory it had in ancient times. Nowadays it is an important art and cultural site in addition to the religious relevance the site already had.

The Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Moreover, beside Tresoldi’s artwork, there’s the younger Basilica built between the XI and XII century. The Church is absolutely one of the main cornerstones of the Apulian Romanesque Architecture.

It is a simple cube with a dome on the top and a crypt below with an external entrance that overlooks the new metal Basilica.

Part of the Romanesque Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built using the remain materials of the ancient Siponto: columns, capitals, and decorations.

The front facade is beautiful and very typical with its fine archway supported by two columns laying down on two zoomorphic figures.

The same stylistic approach was used to build and renew the inside of the Church, which is absolutely fascinating.

Nearby Siponto

The Archaeological Park of Siponto is three km far from Manfredonia, which is the closest relevant town to this site. But, consider that also Foggia, the biggest city of Northern Puglia, is quite close to it and offers a lot in terms of art, culture, and natural experiences.

Furthermore, nearby the Basilica is located the Salt Mine of Margherita di Savoia. It’s one of the most relevant Salt Mines of Italy and also a charming place with its pink water, white hills, and the beautiful flamingos.

The day we visited Siponto, we also visited the Salt Mine and had the luck to watch an attractive sunset reflected on the mine water.

It was stunning!

These are two incredible sites for photography lovers as we are!

If you’re looking for unconventional places to shoot, Siponto and the Salt Mine always give cool opportunities.

Concluding, if you want to reach and visit the Archaeological Park of Siponto, have a look at the proper area below where you find more info and the contact of Management Authority.

Ehi… don’t forget to check the forecast before coming!