Statua al Fante d’Italia

Did the bronze glint differently in 1961? Here, at the Statua al Fante d’Italia, it’s easy to get lost in the echoes of history. The Statua al Fante d’Italia, a monument to the Italian infantryman, stands proudly in Turin. It was unveiled on September 24, 1961, marking the centennial of Italy’s unification. Its placement here, in Piazzale Duca d’Aosta, is no accident. The square is named after the Duke of Aosta, commander of the Third Army during World War I. This area was once the city’s parade ground, making it a fitting location for the Statua al Fante d’Italia. The statue itself, cast in bronze, depicts a World War I soldier. He stands equipped with a helmet and a bayonet-tipped rifle. The monument rests on a stone base, inscribed with the dedication “AL FANTE D’ITALIA”. The artist’s signature, “A. BALZARDI 1961”, is also etched into the bronze, along with the inscription “FUSO NELL’ARSENALE TORINO”, indicating it was cast in the Turin arsenal. The unveiling ceremony was a grand affair. President Gronchi, Defense Minister Andreotti, Senator Merzagora, and Generals Aloia and Liuzzi were all present. A commemorative medal and postcard were even created for the occasion. The statue’s design, however, predates the monument by decades. Angelo Balzardi first conceived the figure in 1934. His aim was to capture the strength and centrality of the infantry, even in a pose of apparent simplicity and serenity. A smaller version was cast for the 92nd Infantry Regiment, then stationed in Turin. This original piece, donated by Prince Umberto of Savoy, was inaugurated in June 1934. Other copies exist in Rome, at the Infantry School, and in Gorizia, the Duke of Aosta’s final resting place. Today, the Statua al Fante d’Italia serves as more than just a monument. Students from the nearby Polytechnic University have adopted the back of the base as a spot to celebrate their graduations. So, as you admire the gleaming bronze of the Statua al Fante d’Italia, remember the layers of history etched into its surface. From its conception in the 1930s to its inauguration in 1961, it stands as a powerful symbol of the Italian infantryman and the nation’s unified spirit.