Haven’t you wondered who is depicted in the Monumento all’Alpino? The Monumento all’Alpino stands here in Piazza Giovanni XXIII. It commemorates the Alpini, Italy’s renowned mountain troops. This bronze sculpture by Emilio Bisi honors their courage and sacrifice.
The Monumento all’Alpino captures a moment from the Libyan War. Antonio Valsecchi is immortalized. He was a member of the 5th Alpini Regiment. The sculpture shows him hurling a boulder at enemy soldiers. This heroic act occurred during an assault on the “Ridotta Lombardia”.
Let’s delve deeper into the story behind this monument. Emilio Bisi created the Monumento all’Alpino to honor the 5th Alpini Regiment. His brother, Maso Bisi, founded the National Alpini Association. The sculpture was originally intended for the Majnoni barracks.
Imagine the scene depicted in the Monumento all’Alpino. Valsecchi and his comrades were defending their position. They ran out of ammunition. Valsecchi, in a moment of quick thinking, used a rock as a weapon. This act of bravery helped repel the enemy.
Initially, four plaques adorned the Monumento all’Alpino. They bore inscriptions praising the Alpini. One inscription read: “So may the 5th Alpini Regiment rise in glory”. Another said: “Teach, O Alpino, your native echoes the names of beautiful victories”. These plaques honored the regiment’s actions in Libya.
The Monumento all’Alpino was supposed to be inaugurated in 1914. World War I broke out. The ceremony was cancelled. The monument was then handed over to the regiment’s command in 1915.
The Monumento all’Alpino has moved several times. In 1922, it was relocated to Bergamo. The 5th Alpini Regiment became part of the 2nd Alpine Division. In 1926, the regiment returned to Milan. The monument was placed back inside the Majnoni barracks.
In 1928, an assassination attempt targeted Vittorio Emanuele III. Three Alpini from the 5th Regiment were killed. As a result, the monument was moved from the barracks to a public space.
In 1948, the Monumento all’Alpino was rededicated. It now honored all fallen Alpini, not just the 5th Regiment. In 1963, it was moved again. Today, it stands here as a tribute to all Alpini.
Notice the inscription at the base of the Monumento all’Alpino. It reads: “To the fallen Alpini of all wars”. The National Alpini Association added this inscription in 1948. It marks the glorious centenary of the Alpini.
The Monumento all’Alpino serves as a reminder. It honors the sacrifices of these brave mountain soldiers. It is a symbol of courage and dedication. The Monumento all’Alpino stands as a tribute to the Alpini. It is a testament to their enduring legacy.