Right here at the Monumento agli alpini, we honor the Alpini soldiers. These brave men faced harsh conditions. They fought valiantly in Italy’s mountainous regions.
The Monumento agli alpini stands within the Giardino Valentino Bompiani. It sits at the intersection of Vincenzo Monti and Giovanni XXIII. You will find it at this peaceful corner.
Emilio Bisi created this monument. He was the brother of Mario Bisi. Mario founded the National Alpini Association. The monument’s inauguration was planned for October 8, 1914. World War I forced a postponement.
Initially, the Monumento agli alpini resided in the Majnoni barracks courtyard. The barracks were on Via Pagano. In 1922, it moved to Bergamo. It returned to the Majnoni barracks in Milan in 1926. By 1928, it stood in Largo Quinto Alpini.
To protect it from vandalism, it was stored in 1945. It was re-inaugurated in Piazza Cadorna in 1948. This time, it honored all Alpini soldiers. Before it only honored the 5th Regiment. Four large trapezoidal slabs were added. Also, a front inscription.
Finally, in 1963, the Monumento agli alpini found its current home. It was placed in the Giardino Valentino Bompiani. This is at the corner of Via Vincenzo Monti and Via Giovanni XXIII. The city of Milan has restored the Monumento agli alpini.
The base is stone. The statue and plaques are bronze. The monument is in excellent condition today.
The monument bears inscriptions. The main one reads: To the fallen Alpini of all wars. In the glorious centenary, the National Alpini Association. MCMXLVIII.
One bronze plaque features words by Giovanni Bertacchi. It praises the 5th Alpini Regiment. It says they added the faith of the Italian Alps to Libyan heights. Other plaques list battles and names of fallen soldiers. Battles include Giarraba and Cirene. Soldiers include Carlo Valsecchi and Paolo Busi.
The monument also features trapezoidal bronze slabs. They list names of fallen Alpini. Many names are abbreviated. This was done to fit them all on the plaques.
The Monumento agli alpini commemorates courage and sacrifice. It reminds us of the Alpini’s dedication to Italy. It is a testament to their service in war. It is also a reminder of the human cost of conflict.