Saturday, November 1, 2014

November 2014 Theme Day: Landmark

Bolzano Victory Monument



The Victory Monument in Bolzano was erected on the personal orders of Mussolini after the annexation of the South Tyrol after World War I. The 19 metre wide Victory Gate was designed by architect Marcello Piacentini and substituted the former Austrian Kaiserjäger monument, torn down in 1926–27. Its construction in Fascist style, displaying lictorial pillars, was dedicated to the "Martyrs of World War I".


HIC PATRIAE FINES SISTE SIGNA
HINC CETEROS EXCOLVIMVS LINGVA LEGIBVS ARTIBVS

Here at the border of the fatherland set down the banner.
From this point on we educated the others with language, law and culture.


The monument was inaugurated on 12 July 1928 by King Victor Emmanuel III.

The inscription, referring to Roman imperial history, was seen as provocative by many German-speaking people living in the province of South Tyrol. On the day of the inauguration there was a counter-demonstration with 10,000 people in Innsbruck.

Today, the monument still is a focal point of the tensions between the Italian and German speaking communities in Bolzano. Font: Wikipedia.

More informations about the monument and the permanent exhibition here.

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Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

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15 comments:

Dina said...

This is definitely the most sobering and eye-opening landmark post of our theme day. "One monument, one city, two dictatorships."
The short video at your exhibition link raises good questions. What a difficult history you have had. And till today the monument needs that protective fence?
I realize how little I really knew about the history of South Tirol. Thank you, Karl.

Kate said...

It is a perfect choice for today, and thank you for all the historical information. If only peace could reign upon this planet!!

Revrunner said...

I do wish people could learn to live together in peace.

VP said...

A funny inscription, probably it had some meaning a long time ago when we all spoke Latin. Now the sign should be written in German and meant for the Italians!

Sharon said...

A monument steeped in history and controversy. There are way too many of these all over the world.

Stefan Jansson said...

A landmark with a difference.

William Kendall said...

Quite a striking monument, but also such history there.

Stuart said...

Yeah, I can see why there would be tensions. I'm surprised it hasn't been vandalized... maybe it has been in the past.

Kay said...

A landmark and a deep history lesson in one, including the difficult history of interpreting war and peace. Good choice for today's theme!

Halcyon said...

A very nice monument. Looks even better against the blue sky.

RedPat said...

Great pic, Karl! I'm off to read your links.

Tanya Breese said...

a wonderful choice for theme day karl :)

Jack said...

It probably has to be your selection, but it stirs some uncomfortable thoughts.

cieldequimper said...

"Today, the monument still is a focal point of the tensions between the Italian and German speaking communities in Bolzano." Das ist ja kein Wunder...

Lois said...

I can see why it would be controversial, but it is a good subject for Theme Day.

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