Shrine of Rodolfo Graziani

[Helge]

August 11, 2012 - To Affile, near Rome, where the park Radimonte was made a shrine dedicated to Marshal Rodolfo Graziani Minister of Defence of the Republic of Salò.

[J. Duncan]

Interesting Helge.
And of the Salo Republic no less, when "Fascism" had already been "killed" in much of Italy and was only being propped up by Germany and a fanatical group of several thousands.
Unlike Germany, there are many memorials and buildings that have survived in Italy that are associated with Mussolinian Fascism. I believe Mussolini's birthplace in Pridappio is also a "shrine" of sorts, attracting many visitors a year.
Something like this would never fly in Germany where they are mostly purging the country of the reminders of their past. Many of the old Nazi buildings are being demolished.

[Michael Miller]

Guess they didn't have much of a budget for this structure; it resembles a public restroom. But considering that this man presided over the slaughter of tens of thousands of Ethiopian civilians, that might be appropriate.

~ Mike

[Oasis]

Guess they didn't have much of a budget for this structure; it resembles a public restroom. But considering that this man presided over the slaughter of tens of thousands of Ethiopian civilians, that might be appropriate.

~ Mike

I agree: there is no example to remember about Graziani...

[J. Duncan]

How is Dino Grandi viewed or Italo Balbo who spoke out against racism? Grandi was a Fascist no doubt, but he was a prime mover in the efforts to oust the Duce.
Graziani was a fanatic...no bios yet in english on these two men (Grandi and Graziani)....there are two adequate ones on Balbo. There is also a good bio on the very awful Cremona Fascist titled "Mussolini's Gadfly" ( I can't remember his name right this moment and my book is buried - help?). Many Fascist leaders like Starace are also overlooked by English speaking historians...no books on these figures.

Mike is right...it does look like a public restroom (lol).

[Michael Miller]

"There is also a good bio on the very awful Cremona Fascist titled "Mussolini's Gadfly" ( I can't remember his name right this moment and my book is buried - help?)"

Roberto Farinacci. Here he is as Luogotenente Generale della M.V.S.N. in 1940 (Source: http://www.rastrelli.it/militaria/fotodepoca.htm)

~ Mike

[Michael Miller]

And here is a well known photo of Graziani, with autograph, from http://www.affile.org/?s=storia-cultura ... o-graziani .

~ Mike

[Michael Miller]

And here is a press photo of Graziani on trial (from http://www.ebay.com/itm/1955-Gen-Rodolf ... 0786948275 ).

~ Mike

[J. Duncan]

Thanks Mike - the book "Mussolini's Gadfly" is written by Harry Fornari. It is an interesting biography of a very unpleasant man. Many of the Mussolinian Fascists were thuggish types who operated their districts like mob bosses.
Farinacci was also the most anti-semitic Fascist (although he was known to defend certain Jews) in the main group of leaders. Mussolini himself was full of contradictions...in the book "Talks with Mussolini" written by Emil Ludwig (1932), he speaks out against racial doctrines, then as he later moved towards Empire and closer to Germany, he became more and more racist.

Thanks for posting the photos...I see quite a change from the young Graziani (looking like Roger Federer) and the old man standing trial. He was quite fanatical in his pacification of Libya as I remember reading.

[Helge]

The cost of construction of the shrine was € 180.000.

[Helge]

Pope's condolences for the death of Rodolfo Graziani

The Holy Father, having had the Secretary of State, Monsignor Tardini, the news of the death of Marshal of Italy Rodolfo Graziani, asked him to convey to the Marquise Graziani, the assurance of his sympathy for the pain of all, with the promise of prayers, and blessing.

http://www.affile.org

[Helge]

Funeral Rodolfo Graziani

http://www.affile.org

[panzerplatten]

My goodness it does resemble a public restroom! And at that cost €180,000 seems astronomical, but this is italy after all,
On an off topic point relating to public rest rooms,
Dublin council put an add in the newspaper looking for tenders to build a public rest room or loo.
The first tender was from cork, and his tendered price was €10,000 and asked for the breakdown said, " well it will be €7000 for material and €3000 for labour.
The second tenders price was €20,000 and the breakdown was €13,000 for material and €8000 for labour.
The third tenders price was €30,000 and when asked by the council man the breakdown, he replied well there's €10,000 for me, and €10,000 for you, and we'll give the job to the first tender the cork man!
Now I you know why it cost €180,000.
Mark.