Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto is a historic church located south of Manfredonia, Italy, which formerly served as the cathedral for the ancient city of Siponto. Consecrated in 1117, it is dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Siponto and was elevated to the status of Basilica Minor in 1977. The basilica is notable for its unusual square plan and its role as a repository for significant religious artifacts.
Key Facts
- ›Completed and consecrated in 1117, possibly replacing a 6th-century edifice.
- ›Received Basilica Minor status in 1977.
- ›Dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Siponto.
- ›Features an unusual square plan with two independent churches, one being the current crypt.
- ›Once housed the 7th-century icon of the Holy Virgin of Siponto.
- ›The polychrome wood Byzantine statue of 'La Sipontina' (6th century) was also once housed here.
- Unusual Square Plan
- Underground Crypt
- Medieval Monumental Portal With Two Side Lions
- 7th-Century Icon of the Holy Virgin of Siponto
- 6th-Century Byzantine Statue 'La Sipontina'
About Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto
The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto is a significant historical church situated approximately three miles south of Manfredonia in the Apulia region of southern Italy. It once served as the cathedral for the ancient city of Siponto before the town's relocation to the modern city of Manfredonia in the mid-13th century. The basilica was consecrated around 1117, potentially on the site of an earlier 6th-century Palaeo-Christian structure, and was dedicated to the Holy Virgin of Siponto. In recognition of its historical and spiritual importance, it was granted the status of Basilica Minor in 1977.
Architecture and Contents
The basilica is architecturally distinctive, featuring an unusual square plan. It comprises two independent church levels, with the lower level currently serving as the crypt. The structure includes apses on the southern and eastern walls and is fronted by a medieval monumental portal flanked by two stone lions, oriented towards the road leading to Manfredonia. The interior, supported by four pillars, dates back to the 11th century. Historically, the basilica was a repository for important religious artifacts, including the 7th-century icon of the Holy Virgin of Siponto and a 6th-century polychrome wood Byzantine statue known as "La Sipontina." Both of these revered items have since been transferred to the Manfredonia Cathedral.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto built?
The church was completed around 1117, when it was consecrated. It may have been built in place of a pre-existing 6th-century Palaeo-Christian edifice.
What is the architectural style of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore di Siponto?
The basilica is characterized by an unusual square plan. Its interior with four pillars dates to the 11th century, and it features a medieval monumental portal.
What significant religious artifacts were once housed in the basilica?
The basilica once housed the 7th-century icon of the Holy Virgin of Siponto and a 6th-century polychrome wood Byzantine statue known as 'La Sipontina'. These artifacts are now in the Manfredonia Cathedral.
What is the historical significance of Siponto?
Siponto was an ancient city, and this basilica served as its cathedral. The town of Siponto was moved to the new city of Manfredonia in the mid-13th century.
What does 'Basilica Minor' status signify?
Receiving the status of Basilica Minor in 1977 indicates a special designation granted by the Pope, often recognizing significant historical, architectural, or spiritual importance.
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