Statue of Paul V, Rimini
The statue of Paul V (Statua di Paolo V) is highly appreciated in Rimini. Not only is it located in the central city square, it is also standing there, out in the open, drawing toursits’ attention. This is one of the oldest monuments in the city as well. This artwork is dedicated to the Catholic, Pope Paul Paul V.
Historical figure
Paul V, also known as Camillo Borghese, a Catholic cardinal, became a pontiff in 1605. Hard and unyielding, he did a lot during the years of his rule. The pontiff was remembered for the inquisition against Galileo Galilei, the persecution of Nicolaus Copernicus, and the canonization of Carlo Borromeo. The pope fostered missionary work, missions spread in the Congo, Paraguay, and Japan during his lifetime. He also funded the completion of the St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican and the restoration of the Aqua Traiana. Paul V was a great lover of art and patronized the artist Guido Reni. The pontiff died in 1621 from a stroke.
History and sculptural composition
The statue was installed in gratitude to the Pope for appointing Michelangelo Tonti as Cardinal of Rimini. The project was developed by the sculptor from Lorraine Nicolas Cordier and when he died in 1612, the work was continued by Sebastiano Sebastiani. The base for the monument was created by the architect Giovanni Arrigoni. The monument’s opening was celebrated on June 22, 1614. During the Napoleonic occupation in 1797, the papal tiara was replaced with a cardinal headwear to prevent the demolition of the monument since the French were hostile to the Pope. In 1936, the tiara was put back, and the right hand of the pontiff was restored. Then in 2003 the monument was also skillfully renovated.
The monument has a marble base and is crowned by a bronze sculpture. It is done very, very scrupulously, every detail of Paul's clothing had attention paid to it. The Pontiff is depicted sitting in his priestly clothes on the throne, leaning on it with his left hand, the right one extends as if blessing.
How to get
The statue of Paul V is located in the heart of the city, on Piazza Cavour. The city hall, many cafes, and restaurants can be found here as well. The ancient Bridge of Tiberius, as well as the City Museum, are situated nearby. The closest bus stop is Piazza Malatesta (2-minute walk), you can catch buses №14, 18 and 29 there.
