War memorials

Italy: Tempio Votivo Caduti e Dispersi in Russia, Cargnacco

Architect: Giacomo Della Mea
Location: Cargnacco, Italy

This poignant memorial to the many Italians who died during the Second World War as allies of Nazi Germany after the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, a church dedicated to la Madonna del Soccorso (Our Lady of Solice), was built between 1949 and 1955 and designed by Giacomo Della Mea. With its tiers of open brick arches it was strongly influenced by the architecture of Giovanni Muzio in Milan (although it may also seem reminiscent of the Palazzo della Civilità Italiana at EUR for the abortive Esposizione Universale Roma planned for 1942). It was paid for both by the Italian state and by contributions from the public – including survivors of the Russian campaign.

Gavin Stamp