Lancia di luce per Terni, Steel sculpture in Corso del Popolo, Terni, Italy
The Lancia di Luce per Terni is a steel sculpture on Corso del Popolo that rises 30 meters (98 feet) high, transitioning from a raw iron base to a golden-colored tip. The structure features polished surfaces with geometric patterns that reflect sunlight throughout the day.
The sculpture was built between 1984 and 1991 using specialized casting techniques with sand imported from Africa and Australia. Its creation marked a turning point in steel art and how industrial materials could be used artistically.
The sculpture embodies the industrial past of Terni through its steel construction, linking the city's metalworking heritage with contemporary art. The name references light and hope, concepts that resonate with the local community's identity.
The sculpture sits centrally on Corso del Popolo and is easily accessible on foot, with good visibility from multiple angles. The best time to view it is in the morning or late afternoon when sunlight highlights the surfaces most clearly.
At 90 tons, this is the world's largest cast steel artwork and was poured in one piece entirely in Terni. The production process required thirteen thousand hours of labor and modern techniques developed specifically for this project.
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