Parco archeologico di Siponto
Archaeological park of ancient Sipontum, with the remains of an early Christian basilica, the Romanesque basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and the work of Edoardo Tresoldi.
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About the museum
Siponto was a Roman colony from 194 BC and one of the main ports of Regio II, later the seat of one of the region's largest dioceses. After the port silted up and two violent earthquakes, in 1223 and 1255, the city was abandoned and its inhabitants moved to Manfredonia, founded by King Manfred in the second half of the 13th century.
The park preserves the remains of the early Christian basilica, with three naves, a central apse and a mosaic floor. Fine mosaic pavements from the 4th century and the following century can also be seen inside the Romanesque basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, built between the late 11th and early 12th century (consecrated in 1117), one of the cornerstones of Apulian Romanesque architecture. It has a cubic form topped by a small dome, a crypt with an entrance from outside, and a portal with an archivolt supported by two columns resting on the back of a lion.
In 2016 the artist Edoardo Tresoldi built, beside the remains, a metal-mesh reconstruction of the early Christian basilica, around 14 metres high, which greatly increased public interest in the site.
Highlights
- Remains of the early Christian basilica with mosaic floor
- Romanesque basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore (consecrated in 1117)
- Edoardo Tresoldi's metal-mesh work, about 14 metres high
- Portal with archivolt supported by two columns on lions
- Excavations of the ancient city of Sipontum
- Operated by
- Direzione regionale Musei nazionali Puglia
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2 |
Prices according to Museionline (2024 update); please check before visiting.
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