Monumento a Vittorio Bottego — Attraction in Parma

The Monumento a Vittorio Bottego in Parma is an imposing piece of public art that evokes mixed feelings. As a historical figure, Bottego’s contributions as an explorer during Italy’s colonial period are commemorated, but his role in an era fraught with exploitation and imperial ambitions adds a layer of controversy to his legacy.

Visiting the monument offers an opportunity for reflection on Italy’s colonial past, its implications, and the broader questions surrounding how history is represented in public spaces. While some may view it as a tribute to exploration and courage, others see it as a relic of an...

In 2020 colonialism should be not celebrated. Vittorio Bottego was not just an explorer and in this sculpture, African people placed lower than him are not representing the rivers Omo and Giuba as it is commonly described. This is not ok. This sculpture was created in a time where colonialism was normality, it is not anymore and that makes it irrelevant...

Il Monumento a Vittorio Bottego, situato a Parma, è una delle opere più rappresentative del gusto celebrativo di fine Ottocento e dell’orgoglio esplorativo italiano. Dedicato al celebre esploratore parmense che guidò importanti spedizioni in Africa orientale, il monumento si erge come simbolo di coraggio, avventura e spirito patriottico. Realizzato dallo scultore Ettore Ximenes e inaugurato nel 1907, il gruppo scultoreo colpisce per il suo dinamismo: Bottego è raffigurato in atteggiamento eroico, lo sguardo rivolto verso l’ignoto, circondato da figure allegoriche che simboleggiano la scoperta e...