Engraved in stone is a dedication: Trieste to the Fallen in the Liberation War 1915–1918. This is the Padlim borcem War memorial. It stands as a powerful reminder of Trieste’s past. It commemorates those who died in the First World War.
The Padlim borcem War memorial is located at the edge of Parco della Rimembranza. It is near the top of Colle di San Giusto. You can reach it from Via Giuseppe Rota. You can also reach it from Piazza della Cattedrale or Viale Ragazzi del ’99.
King Victor Emmanuel III and fascist officials attended the unveiling in 1935. The sculptor Attilio Selva of Trieste created the figures. Architect Enrico del Nebbio designed the marble pedestal.
The Padlim borcem War memorial is in a classical style. It features five naked male figures. They are entangled in a dramatic war scene. Three men support a wounded comrade. A fifth one protects them with a shield.
The sculpture is more than five meters tall. The statues are cast in iron. The pedestal is made of white Istrian stone. The Padlim borcem War memorial represents liberation from Austro-Hungarian rule. This concept was important to fascist nationalism.
The Padlim borcem War memorial stands tall. It is a symbol of sacrifice and remembrance. It urges us to reflect on the cost of freedom. It encourages us to strive for peace.