The Victory Monument on Vittoria Square is an interesting historical landmark that was personally ordered by Benito Mussolini and which represents the history of the city of Bolzano during its time under the fascist regime and Nazi occupation. The monument itself takes the form of a large gate of victory dedicated to “the martyrs of World War I.” It includes a Latin inscription that rings of the history of the Roman Empire. Today, the monument is accompanied by an educational exhibition entitled “BZ ’18–’45: one monument, one city, two dictatorships.” This installation elaborates on the landmark’s history and its unique context within the fascist power structure that held power in the region at the time.
