There are places where time stands still and we are left hanging whilst everything else moves on. One of these places is the Basilica of Siponto, near Manfredonia, where visitors can immerse themselves in the past while, around them, everything else keeps flowing.
The Basilica of Siponto rises a few kilometers from Manfredonia, in an area in the South of the Gargano, which has been a crossway of history and culture. Greeks, Romans, Longobards, Saracens and Normans have been here and each people has left their mark in the culture of the place.
It is no surpirse that the Basilica, its most famous monument is the product of a wide range of influences that in Siponto have found fertile ground. The architecture of the Basilica, in fact, although in a Romanic style, presents clear Islamic and Armenian influences.
The history of the Basilica of Siponto
The Basilica of Siponto presents itself as a square-shaped building that hosts two overlapping churches and occupies a surface of 300 square meters. The striking features of the two churches is that one of the two is entirely buried, so technically speaking the Basilica is considered to be the one on top.
It appears it was consecrated in 1675 by Cardinal Vincenzo Maria Orsini, while other sources report that the first consecration happened in 1117, with the repose of St Lorenzo Maiorano’s relics near the main altar.
Main architectonic elements
The entrance of the Basilica is among the most admired, due to the arches finely embellished with geometric carvings in the shape of leaves. The slabs on which the arches stand are decorated with animals whilst other smaller arches play with lights and contrasts thanks to light-colored materials.
The shape of the Basilica, considered to be among the main symbols of Puglia’s Romanic architecture, is that of a cube, on which stands a small dome. Although it dates back to ancient times, it is common knowledge that it was renovated between XII and XIII centuries. The architectonic decoration that have made it popular date back to that time.
The work of Edoardo Tresoldi
In 2016, the Ministero dei Beni Culturali commissioned a permanent installation in the park of the Basilica of Siponto. The artist entrusted with the installation is Edoardo Tresoldi, a young artist who uses architecture to communicate and express himself.
Mainly known for the use of metal nets that offer an interpretation of space and time able to make this place immortal and timeless. The installation in the Archaeological Park of Siponto recreates the features of the ancient paleo-christian basilica that used to rise near the existing Romanic church.
The big semi-transparent sculpture fits perfectly with the scenery, giving the idea of being simultaneously hanging in time as a crossroad between past and present, ancient and modern times. Because of this, taking a walk close by, the visitor is attracted by this sense of suspension in which they feel like they are in surreal place, where simple words would not be enough to describe the complexity of a true time travel.
When to visit the Basilica of Siponto
If you are wondering when is the best time to visit the Basilica of Siponto, the answer can only be one: always! You can marvel at it as it stands out immersed in the Archaeological Park any time of the year, with the specific feature of every season. You will be able to see it surrounded by the warm colors of fall or by the grey skies of winter, by the green field of spring or by the torrid heat of summer.
Sure, being in Puglia lends itself to a journey on the road at the discovery of the Gargano or even of the whole region, so it can be a destination to reach during your next summer holidays!
Cover Image: villaggioalbergocervo
