Statue of Don Giovanni of Austria, Messina
Statue of Don Giovanni of Austria – a monument erected in honor of the admiral and commander of the united fleet of the «Sacred League». One of the most iconic battles of the military commander is the battle of Lepanto. Then the fleet of Don Giovanni of Austria defeated the Turkish army, in honor of which in Messina it was decided to erect a warrior sculpture. Monument located on Palazzo Catalani, in the central part of Messina.
Who is Don Giovanni of Austria
Don Giovanni of Austria – illegitimate son of the emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Charles V. After receiving military education, he devoted his whole life to military service. He commanded the combined fleet of Spain, Genoa, Venice, and the Pope. In 1571, during the Tunisian war, the main purpose of the fleet was the ousting of the Ottoman Empire from the Mediterranean. During this period the young Don Giovanni of Austria won his victory in the battle of Lepanto. It was believed that this battle caused one of the most powerful defeats to Islam.
Don Giovanni of Austria is appointed General of Sicily, and he has a plan for the spread of Christianity in North Africa and the creation of his own kingdom in this region. However, the fate is different - the commander is appointed deputy to the Netherlands. Then there was a very difficult period in the country, a revolution was brewing, the main goal of which was getting rid of the Spanish dependence, and also the consolidation of Protestantism, instead of Catholicism. However, Don Giovanni of Austria had not taking part in this conflict for a long time, soon, at the age of 31, he died of the plague.
History of the Statue of Don Giovanni of Austria in Messina
Memorial monument in honor of Don Giovanni of Austria was erected in the city in 1573, on the orders of the Senate of Messina. The author of the project was the sculptor and architect from Carrara. The statue was made of bronze. Originally it was located in the area of the Royal Palace, but was demolished by the Spaniards during the uprising in 1674-1678.
The monument is being restored, however, in 1783 an earthquake occurs in the city and the sculpture again collapses. At the end of the 18th century, the monument was moved to a square outside the Teatini church in Corso Cavour.
In 1908 in Messina there was a reconstruction and the monument has taken its current position.
The composition of the monument
The monument of Don Giovanni of Austria is represented by the figure of the commander, who rises on a stone pedestal. He is clothed in the armor of a Spanish warrior, in his right hand the commander holds a bundle consisting of three ligaments, which symbolizes a triple alliance against the Turks. With his left foot he tramples the head of the commander of the opponents - Ali Bass. In the left hand the warrior holds a sword.
The statue is supported by a marble base, which has 4 monumental plates with inscriptions.
- The first one recalls the creation of the League against the Turks, contains the dates of the departure of the fleet from Messina, the date of the battle and the return of the fleet to the city, and the number of ships.
- The bas-relief in the left part of the statue informs about the location of the fleet and points to the central position of the ship of Don Giovanni of Austria.
- The third bas-relief tells about the battle, which consisted of several fights between the courts.
- The last table is made of bronze and depicts the return of the fleet to Messina.
How to get
The statue of Juan of Austria is located in the central part of Messina, on Via Lepanto, opposite the church of Santissima Annunziata. You can get there during your walk around the city, public transport do not go to the sights.
