Monument of Emanuele Filiberto, Turin
Monument of Emanuele Filiberto is one of the symbols of Turin. It adorns one of the historical squares of the city. After the erection of the monument, contemporaries considered it to be one of the best horse sculptures in Italy. The monument is dedicated to Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, who was the Duke of Savoy and Earl of Piedmont in the 16th century. The younger son was to become a military man, but after the death of his brother he studied other sciences, preparing to inherit the throne. But the young ruler had to conquer his state from the French with the help of Spain. For skillful military actions and subsequent reforms, he received the nickname "Iron Head". He also moved the capital of the duchy to Turin, and developed the country, increasingly moving away from French influence. Making a huge contribution to the formation of the kingdom, the monarch died of cirrhosis of the liver caused by alcoholism.
The erection of the monument was the initiative of the King of Sardinia Carlo Alberto, he commissioned this task to the sculptor Carlo Marocchetti in 1831. 210000 lira was allocated to create the sculpture. Having thrown out different sketches of the sculptor several times, the committee still accepted one of them. The statue was cast from bronze in Paris, and delivered to Turin, where the pedestal was made. The opening took place on November 4, 1838. The author was awarded the title of Baron from the monarch for this work. In 1864, the monument was damaged by bullets during an uprising against the transfer of the capital to Rome. During the Second World War it was dismantled, but then returned to its place. Later, it experienced 2 restorations, in 1979-1980 and 2007.
A huge equestrian statue crowns a pedestal made out of pink granite. The Duke, dressed in cavalry armor, is depicted with a raised sword in the moment of triumph in one of the battles. The pedestal is decorated with bronze figures and the coat of arms of the duchy of Savoy. On the sides there are two bas-reliefs depicting the Battle of Saint-Quentin (1557) and the signing of a Peace Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis (1559). In the evenings the monument is dressed in a pleasant backlight, the system of which was created specifically for the Winter Olympics in Turin.
How to get there
The monument is located in the heart of Turin, on the old 17th century – San Carlo Square. From all sides the monument and the square are surrounded by the palaces of Grondana, Asinari and other aristocratic residences. And in the north quarter there is the famous Museo Egizio. Next to the square there is a public transport stop, Arcivescovado. It can be reached by tram № 4, 15, and buses № 11, 55, 57, 58, 92, S04, STAR1.
