Monument of Vincenzo Gioberti, Turin
Monument of Vincenzo Gioberti stands on one of the historical squares of Turin and is dedicated to the outstanding Italian philosopher of the 19th century. He began his career as a professor of theology and chaplain at the monarch's court. But in connection with patriotic activities he was sent into exile. In Paris and Brussels Vincenzo wrote many famous works, trying to philosophically substantiate political activities. In 1847, he returned to Turin, becoming a deputy and leader of the opposition, and in 1848 for several months he headed the government. In his publications, he devoted considerable attention to the idea of uniting Italy, bringing together patriotically minded Catholics, and thus contributing to the struggle for independence.
Sculpture
After the death of a statesman in 1852, a fundraising was announced for the construction of a monument. In 1857 the committee approved the project of the sculptor Giovanni Albertoni. The statue was opened in 1859 near the Palazzo Carignano. This palace was the abode of the first government of the Kingdom of Italy, headed by Vincenzo Gioberti.
The total height of the monument is 7 meters. A pillar made out of red granite is crowned by a statue of a philosopher, made of Carrara white marble. Vincenzo is depicted in full length, the right hand is hidden in the jacket, the left one squeezes the book. This position was very characteristic of Vincenzo. On the table next to him there are two more books. A bronze tablet with an inscription framed by a laurel wreath is placed at the feet of the statue. The front side of the pedestal is decorated with a bronze bas-relief with 3 female figures. The central one holds a cross and has a crown on its head, it symbolizes Italy.
How to get there
The monument is located in the heart of Turin, on Piazza Carignano. The Museum of the Risorgimento is in the nearby palace, and the famous Museo Egizio is in the house on the southern tip of the square. Passing through a narrow street to the north, after some hundred meters you can find yourself on the Piazza Castello, which is the heart of Turin. It also has a public transport stop, Castello. Trams 13, 15, and buses № 13N, 55, 56, 3904, 3991, N04, N10, S04, W01, W15, W60 stop here.
