Why does this bronze statue of a man heaving a boulder stand here in Milan? This is the Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia. It is a tribute to the Alpini. These are Italy’s famed mountain soldiers. The Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia sculpted by Emilio Bisi honors their bravery.
Let’s delve into the story behind this powerful monument. Emilio Bisi created the sculpture to honor the 5th Alpini Regiment. His brother Maso Bisi founded the National Alpini Association. The statue depicts an event from the war in Libya. The Alpino Antonio Valsecchi is the hero of our story.
Imagine Valsecchi. He was a soldier of the 51st company of the “Edolo” Alpini battalion. His unit ran out of ammunition. Bedouins were trying to scale the “Ridotta Lombardia”. Valsecchi did not hesitate. He hurled a massive rock at the attackers. The Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia immortalizes this act of courage.
Originally, the monument was intended for the Majnoni barracks courtyard on Via Pagano. Four plaques adorned the monument. They spoke of glory and sacrifice. They honored the Alpini and their victories. The plaques also commemorated the fallen.
The planned inauguration on October 8, 1914, was cancelled due to World War I. The monument was given to the regiment command on February 11, 1915. The saga of the Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia involves several relocations.
In 1921, the 5th Alpini Regiment joined the 2nd Alpine Division stationed in Bergamo. The monument moved there too. It was inaugurated in Bergamo on June 15, 1922. King Vittorio Emanuele III attended the ceremony.
The regiment returned to Milan in 1926. So too did the monument. It was placed back in the barracks courtyard. Tragedy struck on April 12, 1928. An attack targeted Vittorio Emanuele III. It occurred at the Trade Fair inauguration. Three Alpini from the 5th Regiment died. Milan’s mayor, Ernesto Belloni, decided to move the monument. It was moved from the courtyard to Via Pagano at the city’s expense. The monument was rededicated on December 16, 1928.
In 1948, the Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia was moved to Piazzale Cadorna. It was no longer just for the 5th Regiment. It was now dedicated to all fallen Alpini. During the inauguration, Alpino Valsecchi lifted a young orphan. The child tore away a white sheet revealing the monument. Cheers erupted.
Finally, in 1963, the monument found its current home. It was inaugurated here on September 22, 1963. Alpino Valsecchi could not attend. He was in a Lecco hospital. The inscription reads: “To the fallen Alpini of all wars, in the glorious centenary, the National Alpini Association, 1948.”
The Monumento agli Alpini d’Italia before you stands as a symbol. It embodies courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the Alpini. It serves as a reminder of their dedication to Italy.