Right here in Piazza Belgioioso, in the heart of Milan, stands a unique monument: the Cristina Trivulzio di Belgiojoso Statue. This beautiful bronze sculpture, unveiled in 2021, is dedicated to the remarkable life of Cristina Trivulzio di Belgiojoso, a pioneering champion of Italian independence and women’s rights. It is the first ever statue in Milan dedicated to a woman. But why is she so important? Cristina was a woman ahead of her time. She bravely defied societal expectations, becoming a renowned writer, journalist, and philanthropist. She believed in education for all and established a school for impoverished children.
Cristina was born in Milan into a wealthy family. She married Prince Emilio Barbiano di Belgiojoso, but their marriage was short-lived she left him after discovering his infidelity. The adventurous spirit of Cristina took her to Paris, where she even had a daughter outside of marriage. This was quite scandalous for the time, but Cristina didn’t let the gossip hold her back. She travelled widely across Europe and the Middle East, writing about the oppression women faced. She used her writing to champion women’s rights and was a firm supporter of the unification of Italy. Despite facing opposition and having to endure exile, Cristina remained committed to her cause. Her contributions to the struggle for Italian independence were invaluable. The statue, created by Giuseppe Bergomi, portrays Cristina sitting on a couch, leaning forward. Her right hand holds a book while her left hand rests on a feathered quill and a stack of papers, symbolizing her literary work. The inspiring words of Cristina Trivulzio di Belgiojoso are inscribed on the back of the couch.