Monument to Amedeo of Savoy, Turin
Monument to Amedeo of Savoy in Turin (Monumento ad Amedeo di Savoia duca d'Aosta) is a huge equestrian monument in the picturesque Parco del Valentino on the banks of the Po River. This is one of many statues to the famous figures of Turin of the 19th century, but, strangely enough, Amadeus did not take active participation in the movement of Risorgimento. But, nevertheless, a member of the royal family was awarded a monument.
History of the Monument to Amedeo of Savoy
The statue is dedicated to the youngest son of the King of Sardinia. Not having the right to inherit, he became a military man and took part in the wars of independence with Austria. His most outstanding deed was made during the losing Second Battle of Custoza in 1866 after the unification of Italy. In 1863 he was one of the heirs of the throne in Greece, but refused to rule. But he became King of Spain in 1870, although his ruling did not last long – only 3 years, and after serious unrest he returned to Piedmont. Common people were very fond of his patriotism. He died in 1890 from pneumonia.
After the death of the Duke, people began to raise funds for the creation of the monument. The amount of donations was 25000 lire. In 1892, the project of the sculptor Davide Calandra was approved. The construction began in a year, and the grand opening took place on May 7, 1902.
Sculptural composition
The impressing monument has a total height of 11 meters and is made of gray granite and bronze. A statue of the Duke Amedeo was put on the pedestal. He is depicted with a bare sword on a rearing horse. This is an illustration of one of the episodes of the Battle of Custoza, where the general was particularly distinguished.
Around the pedestal there are 14 statues of representatives of the Savoy royal dynasty and 3 groups of horse knights. They alternate with the bas-reliefs of Monte Monviso, the view of Turin along with the hill of Superga, and the abbey Sacra di San Michele. The sculpture of the eagle, holding the coat of arms of Savoy family in claws completes the composition on the front side of the pedestal.
How to get there
The monument is located on the square in the southern part of the Parco del Valentino, near the intersection of Corso Massimo d'Azeglio and Viale Medaglie d'Oro. Nearby there is the park, on the banks of the Po River, and here you can not only relax, but also visit Castello del Valentino and an elegant medieval village. Near the square there is the Torino Esposizioni stop. It can be reached by tram № 9, and buses № 47, 67, 108, 260, 299, 302.
