Monument to the Fallen, San Lazzaro di Savena
Monument to the Fallen (Monumento ai Caduti) is a war memorial created to honor the inhabitants of San Lazzaro de Savena who died during two world wars. The monument is very simple and carries a message that is clear to anyone who has ever heard of those terrible events.
History of the monument
In 1921, Enrico Casanova, the mayor of the town, decided to raise funds to create a war memorial to honor those killed in the First World War. During the year, the required amount of 31,000 lire was collected, and the place where the monument was erected was finally chosen. The project was to be carried out by a local sculptor, Professor Riccardo Venturi, elected by the committee on September 3, 1922. First, he made a plaster model which was approved by the council, and on September 13 he began working.
The Boriani brothers worked on creating reliefs. The first stone of the monument was laid on September 24, 1922, the works were completed in May of the next year. The grand opening of the monument took place on June 24, 1923. After the end of the Second World War, the names of soldiers and citizens, as well as partisans, were also added to the memorial. In 1963, the square was reconstructed, and the monument was moved from the central part to the eastern.
Design
The monument consists of several parts. The base is presented as two granite steps, where a large marble block surrounded by four square columns is placed on. Two Corinthian white marble columns are installed on the block which is uniquely “inserted” into another block. On the latter, the names of those killed in the course of two world wars are engraved. It has 2 bas-reliefs.
The sword and oak leaves on the front side symbolize strength and steadfastness. A laurel wreath as a symbol of glory and honor can be found on the back side. A bronze eagle sits with spread wings at the top of the monument which can often be seen on the standards of the Roman legions. It symbolizes victory.
How to get
The monument is located on Piazza Bracci Luciano, the central square of the suburb of Bologna, San Lazzaro de Savena. The city hall is located on the same square, and a beautiful city park lies a little further. The Memorial Museum of Freedom is not far away from here as well. The closest bus stop is San Lazzaro Municipio. You can get here from Bologna by buses № 19, 94, 101, 106, 119, 121, 122, 124, 125, 916, 918.
