Spigolatrice
Contemporary monument on the seafront (2021)
Corso Italia, 49, 84073 Sapri SA
The 2021 unveiling drew national media attention and reignited interest in Mercantini’s poem.
The work has become an iconic stop for those walking the seafront, often featured in social shots and TV reports.
Bronze sculpture by Emanuele Stifano inaugurated on September 25, 2021 in the seafront gardens. It reinterprets the figure of the Spigolatrice celebrated by Luigi Mercantini and quickly became one of visitors’ favorite photo spots.
Why visit
To see a contemporary reinterpretation of an identity symbol—central to a lively national debate—and to enjoy views of the Gulf of Policastro along the seaside promenade.
How to get there
On foot along Lungomare/Corso Italia: the statue is clearly visible in the waterfront gardens.
Useful tips
- Recommended shots at sunset (backlit) or during the golden hours.
- Summer weekends are busy: choose morning hours for quieter photos.
Nearby
- Municipal Gardens & Statue of Carlo Pisacane.
- Lungomare Italia.
Poem
La Spigolatrice di Sapri
Luigi Mercantini
Eran trecento, eran giovani e forti,
e sono morti!
Me ne andava al mattino a spigolare
quando ho visto una barca in mezzo al mare:
era una barca che andava a vapore,
e alzava una bandiera tricolore.
All'isola di Ponza si è fermata,
è stata un poco e poi si è ritornata;
s'è ritornata ed è venuta a terra;
sceser con l'armi, e a noi non fecer guerra.
Eran trecento, eran giovani e forti,
e sono morti!
Frequently asked questions
The author is Emanuele Stifano; inauguration on September 25, 2021.
In the city’s seafront gardens (Corso/Lungomare Italia).
Yes, the 1994 statue by Gennaro Ricco on Scoglio dello Scialandro, along SS18 towards Maratea.