The Eagle-Crowned Column: The Monumento ai Caduti of Borgonovo Val Tidone

The Monumento ai Caduti of Borgonovo Val Tidone, a memorial in its Piazza Garibaldi, was realized by the municipal administration between the end of the first world conflict and 1921. The monument, composed of a column, a marble pedestal, and plaques, features a column whose origins remain unknown, probably the result of a loot. A bronze aquila, possibly placed in 1922, sits atop the structure and was created by sculptor Romolo Cappabianca.

At the end of the second world conflict, the monument was updated with four marble plaques at its feet to name the fallen citizens of Borgonovo Val Tidone. In 1974, the column suffered an accident and was heavily damaged, resulting in it being broken into three parts. The local administration took charge of and financed the restoration work, leading to a second inauguration in 1975 during the April 25 celebrations.

As of 2014, the monument remains in good condition with limited damage from green deposits caused by copper compounds and local moss and lichen caused by humidity. The structure features a fluted Corinthian column on a marble pedestal, topped with a stone capital and the bronze eagle with outstretched wings.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons