Piazza dei Martiri (in Italian: Martyrs' Square) is a monument-containing square in Naples, Italy, located at the junction of Via Domenico Morelli and Santa Caterina, one block north of the eastern end of the large seaside park known as the Villa Comunale. The square was originally dedicated to Santa Maria a Cappella, but took on patriotic significance when Italy was united in 1861.
Monument to the Martyrs The monument in the center of this square was built around a column already standing during the Bourbon rule, when the square was called the Piazza della Pace. The column was repurposed, and atop now stands a bronze statue depicting the Virtue of the Martyrs, designed by Emanuele Caggiano. Four lions stand at the corners of the square base, each represent Neapolitan patriots who died during specific anti-Bourbon revolutionsRambles in Naples: An Archaeological and Historical Guide to the Museums, by S. Russell Forbes, page 32. Lion dying - to fallen defending the short lived Parthenopean Republic in 1799.Lion dying was sculpted by Antonio Busciolano. Lion pierced by a sword- to fallen during Carbonari revolution of 1820.Lion pierced by sword was sculpted by Stanislao Lista. Lion lying down - to fallen during revolution of 1848, with 1848 statutes under paw. Lion striding on foot - to fallen during successful Garibaldini Revolt of 1860.Lion Striding on foot was sculpted by Tommaso Solari.
Behind this last lion is a tablet that states:
References