Visiting San Martino and Solferino: Guard of the Pantheon Initiative

More and more people each year visit the historic sites of San Martino and Solferino, where in 1859 one of the bloodiest battles of the Risorgimento took place.

Particular group from the Istituto nazionale per la guardia d’Onore al Pantheon

Among the groups arrived was a special one: that of the Istituto nazionale per la guardia d’Onore alle Reali tombe del Pantheon. The group, coming from Padua, was led by retired General Pietro Grassi. Accompanying him were Giulio De Re’, head of press for the Movimento monarchico, and Rossella Filippone, Veneto president of the movement.

Explanation of the Guard of the Pantheon initiative

General Pietro Grassi explained what the «Guards of the Pantheon» are. The idea originated from some veterans of the Risorgimento battles after the death of Vittorio Emanuele II in 1878. Each member is asked to commit «morally» by standing guard for two hours a year at the King’s tomb.

The initiative has also been extended to other monarchs. The association was founded and legitimized by a Royal Decree signed by Umberto I. It is still included among the recognized associations by the Ministry of Defense. It has approximately 5,000 members.