The structure of the monument itself is very simple, as it is made of masonry and bricks. It was inaugurated in 1975 on the thirtieth anniversary of Italy’s Liberation from war and from the Nazi-Fascist siege.
A part of the monument was added later on, in 2008. Its symbolic significance transcends its aesthetic beauty because it celebrates and honours those partisans of the Resistance movement who died in this area during a day of armed guerrilla warfare against the Italian fascists, who were allied with the Germans.
The historic event dates back to 6 April 1944, when 60 partisans commanded by Walter Ottaviani, also known as Scipione, faced approximately 180 soldiers of the armed forces of the Italian Social Republic. It was a complex battle spread across several areas around Monticchiello, including Colle Mosca and Colle Gogna.
Despite the victory, two partisans died – Marino Cappelli and Mario Mencattelli, who was awarded the Gold Medal for Resistance after being killed while trying to supply weapons to his comrades. The victory of this small group of partisans, aided by the local population, including women, reverberated throughout Italy and was even mentioned on Radio London, leading to the harsh German response with round-ups that began the following day.
Visitors wishing to return to the site of one of the greatest partisan victories, commemorated annually by the Municipal Administration of the City of Pienza, should take provincial road SP 88 towards Monticchiello and turn right at kilometre 4 towards the unpaved road. About 50 metres after the Collo Sodo farm, turn right in the direction of the hill. 100 metres further on, you will come to the monument, located in the beautiful Val d’Orcia, symbol of one of the most famous partisan victories in our history.
