Monument to Pietro Paleocapa, Turin

The monument to Pietro Paleocapa in Turin is located in the historic center of the city. It is always a busy place and there are many sights around here. Even if you just walk down the streets visiting palaces and museums you can come across this simple and beautiful monument.

Personality and history of the monument

The statue is dedicated to the famous Italian engineer and politician of the 19th century. Pietro Paleocapa took part in the construction of such ambitious projects of the time as the Suez Canal and the Frejus Tunnel. The latter was the first tunnel built across the Alps from Italy to France. Since 1948, he had been Minister in many administrations of Sardinia and Piedmont. He also wrote several science books. Pietro died in 1869.

Right after his death, the Turin publication “Lavori pubblici. Industria. Commercio. Finanza” began raising funds for the construction of the monument. Later, the city authorities joined in offering to place the statue in Piazza Quintino. The work was taken by the famous sculptor Odoardo Tabacchi who also created the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi. The work began in 1870, the opening took place in 1871.

Sculpture

The monument is made quite simple. At the base, there is a granite pedestal with a height of 2 meters. The merits of Pietro are briefly described on its sides. A figure of the engineer stands tall above it. He is sitting on a chair with his legs crossed. His cloak is draped over the back of the chair. The statue itself is made of white Carrara marble and is 2 meters high.

How to get

The monument is located on Piazza Paleocapa, in the center of Turin. From there you can easily reach the famous Egyptian Museum and Palazzo Carignano in 10–15 minutes. On the next square is the monument to Edmondo de Amicis. This place can be reached by subway, trams № 7, 9, and buses № 33, 52, 64, 67, 68, 101, S05. You need to get off at the Porta Nuova stop.