Museum of Risorgimento and Shrine Oberdan, Trieste
The Museum of the Risorgimento and Oberdan Memorial are considered to be one of the most significant landmarks in Trieste. Everything housed inside the museum is dedicated entirely to Italian unification movement (Risorgimento). The spot where the museum was supposed to be established wasn’t picked at random as it was connected with the tragic death of Guglielmo Oberdan, Italian patriot and one of the irredentists. The square-shaped tower which is visually separated from the complex and has the flag of Italy set on it crowns the building and memorial.
History of the museum
In the 19th century before the museum was built the spot belonged to Austrian barracks. This was the exact place where Guglielmo Oberdan was imprisoned, and then on December 20, 1882, put to death. He was involved in a failed attempt on Franz Josef’s life who once ruled Austria.
Major changes happened during reconstruction works which were performed around this area from 1931 and till 1935. Symbol of the struggle for country’s unity appeared right where the barracks that represented Austrian power used to be. The museum building was designed by Umberto Nordio. The memorial itself includes remains of the room where the rebel was enjailed, and an artwork created by Attilio Selva – a statue of Oberdan placed between two winged figures that embody motherland and freedom.
Exhibits inside the Museum of the Risorgimento
Museum exhibitions boast pieces ranging in date from 1848 to World War I. The first collection consisted of belongings and documents compiled by writer Filippo Zamboni. The major part of the exhibition comprised private donations.
Documentary materials are put on display in six rooms in chronological order. One the oldest exhibits - an original copy of La Favilla newspaper dating back to 1848 – can be found here as well. Items related to Garibaldian soldiers (volunteer formation that fought under Garibaldi’s leadership) carry great historical significance, these include original guns, clothes, photos and soldiers’ possessions.
The exhibition dedicated to Guglielmo Oberdan consists of the pieces that were donated by his mother.
A significant portion of collection highlights events that occurred during World War I.
How to get
The museum is located near Piazza Oberdan where you can catch buses № 1, 3, 6, 8, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 30, 38, 39, 40, 42, 44, 46.
You can also walk here from Trieste Centrale railway station (takes only ten minutes) and admire Fountain of the Tritons on your way there.
