Few crafts say as much about Puglia as the art of cartapesta, where paper, paste and patient hands become sculpture. In Taranto, this tradition steps into the spotlight with a meeting led by master papier-mâché craftsman Francesco Invidia. He will illustrate how statues are built, in the evocative setting of the Aragonese Castle.
Where paper becomes sculpture
Papier-mâché sounds simple, almost childlike. In the hands of a master, it is anything but.
Listening to a cartapestaio describe his work is the real draw here. You follow the statue from its first idea to the finished figure, and you start to understand how much time, skill and instinct lie behind every gesture and fold of fabric.
A castle by the sea as the stage
The meeting takes place in the municipal gallery inside the Castello Aragonese, the stone fortress that guards the channel between Taranto's two seas. The thick walls and the salty air set the mood before anyone says a word.
It is a fitting backdrop for a conversation about heritage. The fortress itself has stood for centuries, and the craft discussed inside belongs to the same long thread of local memory.
What to expect from the encounter
This is not a lecture to sit through passively. Expect a relaxed, human exchange in which the master explains and visitors are free to be curious.
- The construction process, explained step by step by someone who lives it daily
- The materials, from humble paper to the finishing touches that give a figure its expression
- The stories behind the statues and the role they play in Puglia's devotional and festive traditions
- Time for questions, which is where the best details often emerge
Bring a camera if you can. Details such as hands, faces and drapery are wonderful to photograph, but do ask before shooting work in progress.
Make an afternoon of it in Taranto
The castle sits right beside the swing bridge, the gateway to the Città Vecchia, the old town on its island. After the meeting, wander its narrow lanes and watch the fishing boats bob in the Mar Piccolo.
Culture seekers can add the National Archaeological Museum, known as MArTA, with its remarkable Greek-era collections. Or simply take a stroll along the lungomare as the light softens and the sea turns golden.
The meeting suits couples, friends and solo visitors alike. It is an easy, free-flowing way to spend time in a city that is often overlooked but rich in character.
Why it is worth your time
Traditional crafts survive only when people stop to watch, ask and care. By joining this meeting, you are doing exactly that, and you leave with a new eye for the statues you will meet across Puglia.
Check the event post linked on this page for the latest schedule before you go, since details may be updated by the organisers.