Monument to the Sailor of Italy

The Monument to the Sailor of Italy (Monumento al Marinaio d'Italia) stands majestically over the port of Brindisi, a striking tribute to the valiant sailors who lost their lives during the First World War. This imposing structure, reaching a height of approximately 53 meters, is a beacon of history and remembrance, captivating visitors with its unique design and poignant symbolism.

The History of the Monument to the Sailor of Italy

Commissioned by Benito Mussolini, then Prime Minister of Italy, the monument was constructed to honor the memory of around 6,000 sailors who perished in the First World War. Brindisi was chosen over other cities like La Spezia and Trieste due to its significant role during the Great War. A national competition was held for architects and sculptors, attracting 92 entries, with the winning design being the grand helm with a chapel-sacrarium by architect Luigi Brunati and sculptor Amerigo Bartoli.

The construction of the monument began on October 28, 1932, and was completed in just one year, with an expenditure of 2,300,000 lire of that era. It was inaugurated on November 4, 1933, in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III and Achille Starace. In the years following the Second World War, the fascist symbols adorning the sides of the helm were removed, reflecting the changing political landscape of Italy.

In 1954, a statue of the Virgin Mary was placed in a niche beneath the monument's summit to commemorate the Marian Year. A votive altar with an eternal flame was installed in 1965, alongside plaques dedicated to the fallen sailors of the Second World War. The monument's crypt also houses the ship's bell of the battleship Benedetto Brin, recovered during dredging operations in 1968, and a scale model of the ship was added in 2017.

Architectural Features

The Monument to the Sailor of Italy is a marvel of architectural ingenuity. The base of the monument features a crypt in the shape of an overturned hull, with ogival arches and an altar adorned with a statue of the Virgin Stella del Mare. Black marble panels on either side of the entrance list the names of 5,992 sailors from the Royal Italian Navy and the Royal Merchant Navy who died from the unification of Italy until the monument's inauguration. White marble panels on the final columns before the altar commemorate the Gold Medals of Memory from both World Wars.

On the upper plaza, visitors can find two anchors from the Austro-Hungarian light cruiser SAIDA, later renamed Venezia, and two cannons from Austro-Hungarian submarines. The monument's sides, resembling the bulwarks of a ship, are accessible via two wide symmetrical staircases flanking the crypt. A small plaque near the altar commemorates Marine Rifleman Filippo Montesi, who died in Rome in 1983 from injuries sustained during a peace mission in Lebanon.

Visiting the Monument

The Monument to the Sailor of Italy is managed by the municipality of Brindisi and is accessible from the plaza behind the port in the Casale district. Visitors can ascend to the top of the monument via a spiral staircase or an elevator, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, the port, the Adriatic Sea, and Brindisi Airport. The experience is both awe-inspiring and humbling, as the monument stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by countless sailors in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

The crypt is also open to the public, providing a solemn space for reflection and remembrance. The eternal flame and the names of the fallen etched in marble serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring legacy of those who served.

A Symbol of Remembrance

In 2013, on the 80th anniversary of its inauguration, a fixed optical lighthouse was activated on the monument, further enhancing its role as a navigational aid and symbol of hope. The Monument to the Sailor of Italy is not just a historical landmark; it is a living memorial that continues to inspire and educate visitors from around the world.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply looking for a place to reflect and appreciate the beauty of Brindisi, the Monument to the Sailor of Italy offers a unique and enriching experience. Its towering presence and the stories it holds make it an unmissable attraction, capturing the spirit of resilience and honor that defines the maritime heritage of Italy.