Recent historical events in Lonato, centered around the Casa del Podestà, are drawing the attention of scholars and enthusiasts of local history on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Liberation. During the time of the Italian Social Republic, the Casa del Podestà became a crucial site when members of the Decima Mas arrived to requisition the building in 1944, where a valuable cultural heritage, including autographed letters and historical works, was stored. Despite the efforts of the officials from the Ugo da Como Foundation to protect these cultural assets, the Ministry of National Education authorized the requisition of the property, resulting in the loss of significant works.
The situation became even more complicated with the arrival of German soldiers and sailors in the area, which increased the pressure to use the Casa del Podestà as a military headquarters. Collected testimonies recount a devastated environment, with sacred objects and books scattered everywhere. While the authorities sought to safeguard the artistic heritage, the fate of the Casa remained uncertain until the end of the war, when it was occupied by various military forces. These events not only highlight the tensions of the wartime period but also underscore the importance of the Casa del Podestà in preserving local historical memory.
