Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, Ravenna
Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi is set right where it deserves – in the center of Ravenna. After all, it is directly related to this city. The monument is dedicated to the revolutionary and the politician who was the leader of Risorgimento and whose wife died near Ravenna.
Historical figure
Giuseppe Garibaldi was one of the driving forces without which the Risorgimento probably would not have taken place at all. This fierce Italian patriot immediately joined the fight for independence against Austria in 1848. During this war, he lost his wife who passed away on a farm near Ravenna in 1849.
When Italy was defeated, Garibaldi, as a true patriot he was, settled on the island of Caprera, showing his disagreement with the state of affairs. In 1858 a new war broke out with Austria in which Italian hero took part again leading his volunteer units. After the unification of Italy, the soldier returned to his island residence. He was elected state parliament member several times, but since he hated politics all of it was met with a flat refusal. In 1876, Garibaldi was awarded a lifetime pension, which he donated to charity. Because of that as well as his patriotism and intransigent stance, he became a people's favorite even before his death.
Sculptural composition
In 1859, Garibaldi visited Ravenna again and returned the remains of his deceased wife. Then the authorities awarded him the title of honorary citizen and decided to create a monument. But the idea was forgotten. They remembered about it only 9 days after the hero dies, in June 1882. Having collected a significant amount for construction, a competition was announced in 1885 for the best monument design that was held exclusively among local artists. In September 1889, a draft made by the sculptor Giulio Franchi and named "O Roma o Morte!" was chosen. The master started working in July 1890, and a year later it was completed. After a series of discussions about the monument’s placement, it was installed near the central city square. The opening was celebrated on June 4, 1892.
The monument is made almost entirely of Carrara marble. Its base has 3 levels. The lower part consists of several steps, the upper one has a bronze writing on it. Right at the middle, there are 4 marble bas-reliefs depicting important moments of Giuseppe's life: the siege of Rome, the disembarkment on the beach of Magnavacca with his wife, the battle of Sant'Antonio del Salto in Argentina and Dijon in France. The monument is crowned with a statue of Garibaldi himself. He is portrayed in full size wearing a characteristic poncho and leaning on his sword. You can also notice a small artillery piece behind Giuseppe.
How to get
Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi is located in the center of Ravenna, on the square of the same name – Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. Piazza del Popolo, the Small Museum of Dolls and Toys, Dante Museum as well as the Arian Baptistery can be found nearby as well. The closest bus stop is Teatro Alighieri. You can catch buses № 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 18, 70, 80, 161 there.
