A place where those who lost their lives fighting for the Independence and Unity of Italy are remembered with the symbolic Tower where the Italian flag flies at the top while offering a wonderful view.
The Monumental Complex of San Martino della Battaglia represents an important place of historical memory, offering a profound reflection on the battle fought on 24 June 1859 during the Second War of Independence Italian and its impact on the process of Italian unification.
A crucial event in the history of the Italian Risorgimento, which saw the Sardinian Army defeat the Austrians, but at the cost of many human lives.
– The Tower
Built between 1880 and 1893, it was inaugurated on October 15, 1893 in honor of King Vittorio Emanuele II and the soldiers who fought for Italian independence.
Inside it is enriched with artistic beauties: there are some rooms that house Bronze Busts and that host the Frescoes by Vittorio Emanuele Bressanin narrating facts of the Risorgimento era.
– The Museum
Divided into three rooms that display historical finds and documents that offer a complete vision of daily life during the conflict.
It houses a vast collection of relics of the battle, including Weapons, Cannons, Military Uniforms, Topographical Maps and Objects of Daily Use of the Soldiers.
Original Cannons: Such as “Il Soprano”, “Il Tirolese”, “Micca” and “Pietro”, which were used during the battle.
Military Weapons and Equipment: Rifles, bayonets, bullets, sabres and pistols from the Austrian cavalry.
Military Uniforms: Tattered uniforms and other military clothing from the period.
Everyday Objects: Pipes, hand-painted playing cards, letters, buttons, medals, cutlery and a blood-stained handkerchief.
Documents and Topographic Maps: Useful for understanding the strategy and historical context of the battle.
Paintings and Frescoes: Artistic works that depict the protagonists of the battle and the events of the Risorgimento.
– Ossuary Chapel
Decorated with three mosaics made by artists from the Salviati laboratory in Venice it houses 1274 skulls in the apse, while the bones of 2619 fallen soldiers are laid to rest in the crypt without any distinction of nationality.
The Monumental Complex also incorporates the Solferino Museum a few kilometers from San Martino della Battaglia.
Museum of San Martino della Battaglia
Via Torre 2
Location San Martino della Battaglia
Desenzano del Garda (Brescia)
Lombardy – Italy
What to see in the province in the surroundings near museums historical cultural itineraries