MonumentsIn the center of Piazza Matteotti, the heart of Sant’Agnello’s civic life, stands the solemn War Memorial, one of the most symbolic landmarks of collective memory and local history. More than just a sculptural work, it is a monument of identity for the community, combining architectural, historical, and emotional value.
War Memorial: the focal point of Piazza Matteotti
War Memorial: the focal point of Piazza Matteotti
The monument was created in 1926 by sculptor Giovanni Nicolini, a Sicilian artist from Palermo, known for his grand monumental works throughout Italy. The structure sits on a piperno (volcanic stone) base made of five steps, from which rises a bronze statue of striking visual impact.
At the center of the composition stands a powerful and proud nude horseman, an allegorical symbol of courage and the indomitable spirit of the Italian soldiers who fell during the First World War.
Laid upon a bronze drapery inspired by classical art, the warrior holds a shield and a dagger, his gaze facing forward: an image that combines heroism and solemnity.
Origins of the Work
The War Memorial of Sant’Agnello was inaugurated on October 12, 1926, in the presence of the Prefectural Commissioner and Michele Castelli, High Commissioner for the Province of Naples. In a letter addressed to local authorities, Giovanni Nicolini explained the symbolic meaning of the work: the figure of the infantryman represents the valor and boldness of the Italian lineage.
The artist designed the Sant’Agnello monument shortly after completing the grand complex in Havana, where the figure of Saint Agnello appears on Avenida del Presidente, at the foot of the equestrian statue of General Alejandro Rodríguez y Velasco. Nicolini also created other commemorative works in Cuba and Brazil, having already earned fame with the Statue of Calabria (1907) and the Political Triumph sculptural group (1911) at the Vittoriano in Rome. He was also responsible for the War Memorial in Messina (1935).
A Tribute Carved in Stone
On the four sides of the monument’s base are engraved the names of the fallen from Sant’Agnello, as a perpetual memory of the citizens who lost their lives in the conflict. This element makes the monument not only a national symbol of commemoration, but also a place of civic identity and community gathering.
In 2015, the monument underwent a major restoration, which enhanced its artistic details and restored its original splendor. Thanks to this conservation work, the piece stands today in perfect condition, serving as a living testimony of 20th-century history and a must-see for visitors to Sant’Agnello.
Its central location in the main town square makes it easily accessible to both residents and tourists, blending seamlessly into everyday urban life and public ceremonies. Today, the War Memorial is a space for reflection, a significant artistic testimony, and an essential stop for those seeking to discover the cultural and historical heritage of the town.