“Mauthausen’s soil rests here.” That’s what this monument silently proclaims. We are standing before the Monumento ai Caduti di Zelo Buon Persico. This monument honors those who perished in Nazi extermination camps. It stands as a stark reminder of a dark chapter in history.
The Monumento ai Caduti di Zelo Buon Persico isn’t just a structure. It is a powerful symbol. It represents loss, remembrance, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The monument’s history is as compelling as its design.
The original concept came from the Milanese section of the National Association of Former Deportees. They commissioned the architectural studio BBPR to design it. The studio consisted of Gian Luigi Banfi, Lodovico Belgiojoso, Enrico Peressutti, and Ernesto Nathan Rogers.
Their personal experiences deeply influenced the monument’s creation. Rogers had to flee Italy in 1943 due to racial laws. Banfi was interned at Mauthausen. He died there in 1945 just days before liberation. Imagine the emotional weight they carried. Their design came together in a single week.
Look closely. The Monumento ai Caduti di Zelo Buon Persico sits at the heart of the cemetery where the main avenues meet. A stone base supports a white metal framework. Marble slabs bear the monument’s title. They also feature excerpts from the Sermon on the Mount.
At the center of the three-dimensional grid lies a glass case. Inside, surrounded by barbed wire, is an urn. This urn contains earth from Mauthausen. Feel the somberness. In 1961 seven serizzo slabs were added. These list the names of over 800 Milanese victims of Nazi extermination camps. Princess Mafalda of Savoy is among them. She died at Buchenwald.
Interestingly, what we see today is the monument’s third iteration. The first version deteriorated quickly. It was replaced. The subsequent modification aimed for greater expressive power. The architects felt the initial replacements were too opulent. They wanted something that better reflected the gravity of the situation. The current design reflects the original 1946 concept.
The structure features a three-dimensional grid. It measures 212 centimeters on each side. This form arises from the intersection of a cube and a Greek cross. The framework cantilevers over a cross-shaped base. Moltrasio stone and white Candoglia marble enhance the lightness of the upper portion.
Giuseppe Samonà saw a resemblance to Piero della Francesca in its regularity. However, the asymmetrical placement of the Sermon on the Mount panels disrupts this order. The framework pays homage to Rationalism. It evokes the “imprisoned objects” of Alberto Giacometti and Fausto Melotti.
The Monumento ai Caduti di Zelo Buon Persico embodies continuity with Modernist traditions. It stands as a testament to enduring ideals. Take a moment to reflect on the weight of history. Remember those who suffered. Let this monument serve as a reminder of the importance of memory and vigilance.