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Monument to the Fallen, Bologna

Monument to the Fallen, Bologna

Monument to the Fallen (Monumento ai caduti del VIII Agosto 1848) in Bologna is also known as Popolano. The grand and rather controversial monument is located at the entrance of one of the largest city parks. It is dedicated to the tumultuous events during the Risorgimento, or rather, to the dead fighters for the independence of Italy.

Events and monument creation

During the first war of independence with Austria, a rebellion started in Bologna. As a result of such vigorous actions the Austrian troops, who were led by General Welden, were forced to leave the city on August 8, 1848. They retreated through the city gates called Porta Galliera leaving many casualties after the riot. In memory of those killed on that day, it was decided to create a monument to the 50th anniversary of the events. In 1895, a committee was created to raise funds, and in 1898 a competition for the best design of the monument was announced. The local sculptor Carlo Monari won, but his design was rejected by the city council. On January 2, 1901, another draft was chosen, but it was soon turned down as well. In February, a referendum was held during which the place of installation of the monument was chosen. And in October 1901, a new competition was announced which was won by the sculptor from Bologna Pasquale Rizzoli.

The monument was supposed to be opened on August 8, 1903, but suddenly that Catholic organizations informed that they would be present at the celebration. This angered the Union of Socialists and they filed a protest with the city council. The latter urgently appointed a new date. The monument was officially opened on September 20, 1903, on the anniversary of the capture of Rome.

Sculptural design

The artwork caused a lot of controversy in society, but, nevertheless, it became one of the recognized urban symbols. A huge monument was erected right at the entrance of the Montagnola Park. It has a plinth of white marble with multiple steps which is decorated with a relief depicting lion figure and a simple geometric pattern. However, it was the sculptural composition crowning the foundation that became the cause of discussions. The figures are made of bronze. Central is the sculpture of a man holding a torn flag. The revolutionary obtained it as a result of the struggle and was picked from the ground. On the very ground lies the corpse of the deceased Austrian soldier. This is such an ambiguous and rather a nationalistic installation.

How to get

The monument is located in the north of the historic center of Bologna, on Via Irnerio. The monument to Garibaldi and Column of Immaculate Conception can be found nearby. The closest bus stop is Sferisterio (buses № 14, 19, 20, 25, 27, 28, 36, 37, 61, 62, 89, 93, 94, 99).

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