The Redipuglia Memorial is the largest and most majestic Italian memorial to the fallen in the Great War. Here rest 100,187 soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. One hundred thousand one hundred and eighty-seven, here alone. The memorial is built on a slope of Mt Sei Busi and comprises three levels symbolically representing “An army descending from heaven to walk on the Way of Heroes”. At the summit, three crosses evoke the crucifixion of Christ.

The first thing you see upon arriving at the memorial is the impressive marble tombs of the commanding officers, including Prince Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Aosta. Behind are the five granite tombs of the famous generals Chinotto, Monti, Prelli, Paolini and Riccieri. Behind them rise 22 steps, each almost 3 m high and 12 m wide, containing the remains of 39,857 known soldiers, in alphabetical order.

On the first step is the only woman buried here, Margherita Kaiser Parodi Orlando, a Red Cross nurse awarded the Italian Bronze Medal for Military Valour. On the last, the remains of 72 sailors and 56 men of the Guardia di Finanza. Lastly, on the 22nd step, two vast bronze-covered tombs hold the remains of 60,000 unknown soldiers.

Each tomb bears a soldier’s name and dates and the section referred to. On the riser of each step is the word presente (“here”). Behind the 22nd step are two memorial rooms with photographs, documents and war relics, mementoes of lives swept away by the Great War.

Once you are outside the Memorial go to Piazza delle Pietre d’Italia. This is a permanent installation of 8047 stones, one for each Italian municipality. The grouping together of these municipalities symbolises the country’s unity in the common sacrifice paid in the Great War.