Listen closely. What echoes do you hear from this monument?
Here before you stands the Obelisco di Gibilrossa. It stands as a powerful reminder of a pivotal moment in Italian history. The Obelisco di Gibilrossa marks the spot where Garibaldi’s forces prepared for their march into Palermo.
Gibilrossa earned its name from the Arabic “jabal ra’es.” This means “first mountain” or “principal mountain”. Imagine this high ground teeming with Garibaldi’s soldiers. Giuseppe La Masa gathered 4000 volunteers here. They were ready to support Garibaldi’s army.
The Obelisco di Gibilrossa was erected in 1875. It honors Garibaldi’s campaign. The architect was Giovan Battista Filippo Basile. He also designed Palermo’s Teatro Massimo. Salvatore Cappello a Garibaldino was the one who started the initiative.
Originally, the Obelisco di Gibilrossa had a perfectly pyramidal point. A lightning strike damaged it. The restored point is now more rounded. It has a lightning rod.
The Obelisco di Gibilrossa is reminiscent of Egyptian obelisks. Its base is quadrangular. It features seven steps of varying heights. Originally a star of Italy topped the Obelisco di Gibilrossa.
Three sides of the Obelisco di Gibilrossa feature commemorative plaques. These recall historic events from Garibaldi’s campaign. They also show the coat of arms of Palermo, Sicily, and the House of Savoy. Notice something missing? The coat of arms of Misilmeri is absent.
Garibaldi himself visited the Obelisco di Gibilrossa on April 13. He was staying in Palermo as a guest. He had been too ill to attend the formal inauguration. The inauguration happened on April 4 1882 during the Sixth Centenary of the Sicilian Vespers. Garibaldi inspected the Obelisco di Gibilrossa. He remembered those days. He remembered those words etched in national history.
The Obelisco di Gibilrossa stands tall. It echoes with the spirit of those who fought for a unified Italy. It reminds us of the courage and determination that shaped a nation. Every year on May 27, authorities and citizens gather here. They commemorate this important historical date. They come from Palermo, Misilmeri, Belmonte Mezzagno, and Villabate.