Resurrecting a sacred archeological remain in Puglia, Italy using wire mesh was the dream of Italian artist Edoardo Tresoldi; he succeeded masterfully! This early Christian church on an archaeological site in Siponto, a port city in southern Italy, was destroyed and deserted following the frequent, local earthquakes during the 13th century.
Tresoldi constructed a substantial wire mesh installation that mimics the former era’s architectural design. Titled, “Basilica di Siponto”, the final product appears light and transparent, and allows visitors to experience and explore what it might have felt like to walk in that 11th-13th century space. Allowing the mesh metal to recreate the former structure, columns and archways tower up to a Romanesque roof line. Your imagination can rest easy, this appears to be a pretty realistic recreation.
The glorious basilica was constructed with the help of MiBACT (the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities) and the archeology superintendence of Puglia. This has been made more striking by the addition of some of Tresoldi’s contemporary artwork “inside”. The relationship between the ancient and contemporary has never appeared more harmonious!
Unlike many other installations that are removed after a short period of time, Tresoldi’s huge installation will remain in place indefinitely.
Image courtesy of: Design Boom
Notice the detailing on the soaring columns which are made from the sculptural material… amazing!
Image courtesy of: Design Boom
Illuminated at night, the outline of what “must have been” is stunning and speaks volumes to the high level of architecture in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Image courtesy of: Design Boom
Almost like a hologram, the basilica’s mesh outline doesn’t disappoint!
Image courtesy of: This is Colossal