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Piazza Caduti per la Libertà

Piazza Caduti per la Libertà - Ravenna

Realised in the 1930s as a characteristic Fascist forum with the name of Piazza Littorio, PIAZZA CADUTI PER LA LIBERTÀ is the result of the urban redevelopment plan of the Zona Dantesca following a heated debate between designers and architects on whether to innovate or preserve the former urban fabric.

On one side of the square is the current Palazzo della Provincia, built on a design by architect Giulio Ulisse Arata and inaugurated in 1928.

This complex was built on the remains of the rich residence of the powerful Ferdinando Rasponi, which had been converted into a luxury hotel – known as Grand Hotel Byron – at the end of the 19th century.

Starting from 1918, the building was also the headquarters of the first Federation of Cooperatives in Italy, an association of socialist inspiration, before a fascist attack interrupted its activity.

On the side of the building bordering Piazza San Francesco, Arata built a long portico characterised by neo-Romanesque arches – today hosting the entrance of the Tourist Information Office and the Rasponi Crypt, as well as tables and shop windows of a pastry shop.

For the facade of the Palazzo he waited until 1934, when all the old houses located in front of it were demolished to make way for the new Piazza Littorio.

As part of the Fascist forum project, between via Guidone and via Guerrini a building that was to house Casa del Littorio was built, housing today the land registry office (see focus).

The arcade building hosting INA (a former Italian insurance company) was built right next to this one, while in 1942 on the opposite side was raised Palazzo delle Corporazioni, which later became the headquarters of Genio Civile (a marginal government authority dealing with the supervision of public works).

Finally, to complete the current layout of the square, on the south-west side the 19th-century seat of Istituto Tecnico G. Ginanni was demolished and the opening onto Via De Gasperi was renovated with the construction of two new buildings, inaugurated in 1958.

FOCUS

Casa del Littorio

At the time when it achieved the greatest support, the Fascist party of Ravenna started to consider its old headquarters in Palazzo dell’Orologio no longer appropriate, and decided to move to the new forum, today Piazza Caduti per la Libertà.

Compared to the other public works of the regime that were under construction, the first project by Emanuele Mongiovì in 1935 was below expectations.

Between 1938 and 1939 a plan by architect Emanuele Mongiovì took form, featuring an imposing lictorial tower covered in travertine and adorned with a bas-relief aimed at symbolising the strength of the regime.

On the walls of the building’s courtyard, it is still possible to see a large polychrome tile mosaic depicting a map of the fascist empire.

Despite the dominance of the tower during the Fascist era, especially at solemn gatherings or symbolic threshing sessions, the Germans decided to blow it up at the end of 1944, before leaving Ravenna, so as not to provide the enemy with strategic observation points. What remains of the building today hosts the land registry office of the city.

Further information

How to get there

Piazza Caduti per la Libertà is located in the heart of Ravenna, near the Tourist Information Office of the city.

On foot: the area is easily reachable on foot from the nearby railway station.

By bus: the square hosts various bus stops for urban and suburban routes. For more information: www.startromagna.it

By car: access to the historical centre of Ravenna is limited. For more information on nearby parking areas click HERE.

A cura della Redazione Locale
E-mail: turismo@comune.ravenna.it

Last edit:12 April 2022

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