The Castel Dante military memorial stands on top of the hill of the same name, near Rovereto, on the rise where the ruins of Castel Lizzana lay. After the First World War, between 1922 and 1927, the remains of the fallen buried in the many military cemeteries of the area were brought here. The building was constructed between 1933 and 1936 to a design by Ferdinando Biscaccianti and inaugurated on 4 November 1938. Over time it has become a monument to the memory of all those who fell on Trentino soil, including those who fought on opposing sides.
What to see
The imposing structure is inspired by classical architecture and covered by a metal dome. It has two floors, linked by internal stairs. It holds the remains of about twenty thousand soldiers, known and unknown: Italians, Austrians, among them thousands of men from Trentino, Czechoslovaks and Hungarians. Here too lie Fabio Filzi and Damiano Chiesa, the two irredentists from Rovereto executed by the Austrian government.
On the lower floor a plaque with a flame commemorates the gold medals of the Legione trentina. In the forecourt, beside the flagpole, is an old oak, the tree in Rovereto's coat of arms; some military pieces are placed along the access road.
Visiting
Opening times and visiting arrangements should be checked with the Ministry of Defence or with Rovereto town council.
Our editors' tip
The name comes from a legend: Dante Alighieri, around 1310, is said to have been a guest of the Castelbarco in the castle of Lizzana. Of the castle a stretch of wall and the well-head remain, visible inside the memorial grounds.
