Did you know a philosopher found refuge in San Marino? This brings us to the Monumento a Melchiorre Delfico. It stands as a tribute to a man who left an indelible mark on this small republic.
Melchiorre Delfico was born in Teramo in 1774. He was a philosopher and historian. He also was a politician who died in Naples in 1835.
Delfico sought refuge in San Marino after political upheaval in Naples. While in exile here he penned “Memorie storiche della Repubblica di San Marino.” These historical memoirs became the first documented history of San Marino. He also wrote “Pensieri su l’istoria su l’incertezza e su l’inutilità della medesima” during his time here.
San Marino honored Delfico with this monument. It was erected to commemorate the centennial of his death. The sculptor Enrico Saroldi created the statue in 1935.
Luigi Savorini described the lead-up to the monument’s creation. He wrote about it in his 1936 book “Le onoranze a Melchiorre Delfico nella Repubblica di San Marino”. Savorini noted that San Marino had been preparing the honors for over three years. A plaque already existed in the Palazzo della Reggenza. Another marked the house where Delfico lived from 1800 to 1804. The road beneath that house was named Via Melchiorre Delfico.
The statue’s unveiling occurred on September 1 1935. It was a major event. The descendants of Melchiorre Delfico attended the celebration. A special luncheon was held. It featured local delicacies. These dishes included San Marino tortelloni and Abruzzo soup. This culinary tribute honored Delfico’s origins.
The bronze statue itself stands 3.54 meters tall. The monument stands at the end of a wide avenue. Gardens and villas flank the monument. The backdrop features an endless blue sky. The landscape stretches toward distant mountains.
The base of the Monumento a Melchiorre Delfico features inscriptions. The front reads “A Melchiorre Delfico filosofo e storico della libertà perpetua il senato e il popolo”. The left side displays “A MCMXXXV d.F.R. MDCXXXIV”. The right side says “Nel centenario della morte”.
The Monumento a Melchiorre Delfico is more than just a statue. It symbolizes San Marino’s gratitude to a man who chronicled its history. It reminds us of Delfico’s contribution to this nation. It also reminds us how San Marino offered him sanctuary during turbulent times.