Le Basiliche, Archaeological Park, Siponto FG

Installation by Edoardo Tresoldi

The archaeological area testifies to the great importance that ancient Siponto had in Roman times when, as a colony from 194 BC, it assumed the role of one of the main ports of the Regio II.

Inside the park, in addition to the current Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the remains of the ancient early Christian Basilica featuring three naves with a central apse where mosaic floors are visible, bearing witness to the important regional diocese that resided here.

The lighting intervention we were involved with covered the entire area of the park: the area of the archaeological excavations, the interior and exterior of the current basilica and adjoining crypt, the info point, the pedestrian paths and finally the car park.

• Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: internally, we created a lighting system capable of enhancing all the volumes of the church without ostentation, with slight accentuations on the central points of the celebration. Externally, the lighting system is designed with respect for the place and its history, without excess light and much less system interference visible during the day.
• Crypt: the lighting is mainly indirect light, with a slight accentuation of the altar and the apse. The adjustable spotlights of the new lighting system were designed and made to measure and installed at the base of the capitals.

• The virtual Early Christian Basilica: the lighting intervention stemmed from the synergy with the MiBAC and the artist Edoardo Tresoldi as part of the project called “Dove l’arte ricostruisce il tempo” (“Where art reconstructs time”), an intervention whose aim is to facilitate an interaction between archaeology and contemporary art. During the day, the Basilica rebuilt in wire mesh, almost a hologram, can be admired in all its majesty and lightness while in the dark it takes on an almost metaphysical appearance, immersing the visitor in a unique experience thanks to the skilfully designed lighting system. The new system not only enhances the Basilica but also guides the visitor on the discovery of the archaeological finds present in the excavations, dating back to the same period as the Basilica