Andrea Roggi | Valle d'Itria

Martinafranca - Locorotondo - Cisternino

19 March 2025-18 March 2026

 

Valle d'Itria: The Artistic and Cultural Project "Roots of Humanity" is Born – A Meeting of Municipalities Through Art and Collaboration

The municipalities of Cisternino and Locorotondo extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Municipality of Martina Franca for spearheading the cultural and artistic initiative that has brought "Roots of Humanity" to life. This shared exhibition, featuring the extraordinary sculptures of internationally renowned artist Andrea Roggi, marks a significant milestone for the Itria Valley, strengthening the spirit of collaboration between the three municipalities.

Roggi’s works, which have already enriched the historic center of Martina Franca and captivated thousands of visitors, will now shine in Locorotondo and Cisternino as well. These towns will host the sculptures "Un Nuovo Mondo" and "Le Radici della Rinascita", with the exhibition curated by Felicia Cigorescu.

More than an open-air exhibition, "Roots of Humanity" is a symbol of unity – a message of peace, hope, and trust in humankind, embodied in the timeless presence of the olive tree. It also represents a new chapter in inter-municipal cooperation, as cultural departments from all three towns come together with a shared vision for the future of the Itria Valley. Their commitment to this initiative lays the groundwork for the Union of Municipalities, a project strongly supported by their mayors.

"We are deeply grateful to the Municipality of Martina Franca," said Ermelinda Prete, Councillor for Culture and Tourism of Locorotondo. "This project is not only a cultural enrichment for our territory but also an opportunity to reflect on what unites us. Andrea Roggi’s sculptures, with their intrinsic bond to space and nature, invite us to look inward, to recognize the roots that sustain our identity, and to embrace the future with renewed hope. Our land is unique, and it is this very uniqueness that brings us together."

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Andrea Roggi’s Sculptures Remain in Martina Franca, Leading the "Roots of Humanity" Project in the Itria Valley

The works of internationally renowned sculptor Andrea Roggi, which have enriched the streets of our historic center and been captured in thousands of tourist photographs, will continue to bring prestige to our city until 2026.

The exhibition has been extended both in time – until March 18, 2026 – and in scope, as Martina Franca takes the lead in an artistic project that will also involve the municipalities of Locorotondo and Cisternino.

"Roots of Humanity", a collection of sculptures conveying a powerful message of peace, hope, and trust in humanity – symbolized in particular by the olive tree – will not only be an open-air exhibition but also a testament to the strong collaboration between the municipalities involved.

Only the largest sculpture, "Ki", will leave Piazza XX Settembre to allow other cities to admire it. However, Maestro Andrea Roggi, who will return to Puglia this week, has generously granted the Municipality of Martina Franca a new piece to take its place, further enriching the artistic path created by those already displayed in the city center.

"I am truly delighted and honored," stated Tourism Councillor Vincenzo Angelini. "To continue hosting the creative genius of Maestro Andrea Roggi in our city. His sculptures have deeply moved visitors over the past year, and I am confident that this artistic journey, weaving through the valley’s towns, will be another step toward the long-awaited municipal union. It will help us embrace an increasingly shared vision of growth and collaboration. A heartfelt thanks goes to exhibition curator Felicia Cigorescu and to Maestro Andrea Roggi for their generosity, sensitivity, and commitment to beautifying the urban spaces of Martina Franca and the entire Itria Valley."