MONUMENT DE LA VICTOIRE

The Bolzano Victory Monument was erected between 1926 and 1928 on the orders of Benito Mussolini, after the annexation of the Austrian province by Italy. It is dedicated to the Italian martyrs of the First World War. Built in marble, 19 meters wide, it took the place of an old Austrian monument. It was inaugurated on 12 July 1928 by King Victor Emmanuel III and representatives of the Fascist government. Since its erection, the monument has been the subject of strong protests, particularly from the German-speaking population of South Tyrol.