Resistance Monument
A symbol of remembrance, freedom and courage in the heart of Reggio Emilia
Timetable
The monument is always accessible to visitors.
To the left of the “Romolo Valli” Municipal Theatre, in one of the city's most significant locations, stands the Monumento alla Resistenza reggiana (Monument to the Resistance of Reggio Emilia), unveiled on 25 April 1958 to mark Liberation Day.
It is a site of profound and solemn memory, dedicated to the courage and sacrifice of the Reggio Emilia community during the years of resistance against Nazi-Fascism.
Created in bronze by sculptor Remo Brioschi, the work rests on a solid granite base bearing the inscription:
“A gloria e ricordo della Resistenza – 25 aprile 1958”
(“To the glory and memory of the Resistance – 25 April 1958”)
The sculpture depicts the final moments in the lives of a group of civilian victims, captured in a composition of powerful emotional impact.
The iconography evokes the theme of martyrdom: the bodies, supported by vertical shafts, appear suspended between weight and tension, while the light reflecting off the bronze heightens the sense of tragedy, heroism, and suffering.
As a whole, it conveys a universal message of sacrifice and dignity, inviting quiet reflection and remembrance.
The monument was made possible thanks to a public subscription that engaged the entire province of Reggio Emilia - testament to a shared, collective memory that remains deeply vibrant within the city today.
Just a short distance away, to the right, lies a second memorial: the monument by Giacomo Fontanesi, erected in 1972 to commemorate the five citizens of Reggio Emilia killed on 7 July 1960 during a public demonstration.
Standing side by side, these two monuments form a meaningful path dedicated to civic history, human rights, and democracy, making this area an essential stop for understanding 20th-century Reggio Emilia.
Contacts
Piazza Martiri del 7 Luglio - 42121 Reggio Emilia (RE)
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