Have you ever noticed the solitary figure seemingly frozen mid-action? That is the Monumento agli Alpini caduti. It stands as a tribute to the fallen Alpini soldiers of Italy. This monument is not just a static sculpture. It encapsulates a moment of bravery and sacrifice.
The Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia is a bronze sculpture by Emilio Bisi. It is located in Piazza Giovanni XXIII in Milan. Bisi created the sculpture to honor the 5th Alpini Regiment. The monument portrays an event from the Libyan War. Antonio Valsecchi is depicted in the sculpture. He was a soldier of the 51st company of the Alpini battalion Edolo. Valsecchi is shown hurling a boulder at Bedouins. They were trying to scale the Ridotta Lombardia.
Initially, the Monumento agli Alpini was intended for the Majnoni barracks courtyard. The monument features four plaques with inscriptions. One inscription reads Sorga così nella gloria. It honors the 5th Alpini Regiment. It speaks of their bravery in the Libyan heights. Another plaque urges Alpini to share tales of victory. These victories helped Italy protect its migrants across the world. A third plaque acknowledges the comrades, communities, and related associations. They see the dawn over Lombard valleys. They salute the entire nation. The final plaque commemorates those who fell. It says they live on preparing Italy’s future.
The Monumento agli Alpini was to be unveiled in 1914. However, World War I caused the cancellation. In 1915, the monument was handed over to the regiment’s command. In 1921, the 5th Alpini Regiment joined the 2nd Alpini Division. It was stationed in Bergamo. Consequently, the monument was moved there. It was inaugurated in Bergamo in 1922.
By 1926, the regiment was back in Milan’s Alpini Brigade. The Monumento agli Alpini returned to the Majnoni barracks. An attack occurred in 1928 during Vittorio Emanuele III’s visit. Three Alpini soldiers from the 5th Regiment died. The monument was then moved from the courtyard to Via Pagano. This was done at the city’s expense. The monument was officially rededicated in 1928.
In 1948, the Monumento agli Alpini was inaugurated again. This time it was in Piazzale Cadorna. It was no longer dedicated only to the 5th Regiment. It honored all fallen Alpini. In 1963, the monument was moved again. The new inauguration took place that year. The Alpino Valsecchi was absent. He was in a Lecco hospital. The monument portrays him throwing a large stone.
Today, the Monumento agli Alpini stands in Valentino Bompiani Garden. It is at the intersection of Vincenzo Monti and Giovanni XXIII. The inscription reads ai caduti alpini. It honors those who fell in all wars. It also commemorates the National Alpini Association’s glorious centenary. The Monumento agli Alpini serves as a constant reminder. It embodies the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the Alpini. It is a landmark that resonates deeply within the city.