July 7, 2012. (Romereports.com) In Rome's Capitoline Museums, an exhibit is celebrating one of the most historic moments of Roman history. It's called 'Liberation of Rome, June 4, 1944'. It was the day Allied forces entered into the Italian city, making it the first European capital to be liberated from Nazi occupation.
Giovanni Cipriani
Cultural Institute for the Promotion of Books (Italy)
“It was an important event because Rome once again became the capital of Italy, it faced nine months of Nazi occupation that was very difficult. The population suffered greatly and then finally it returned to some normality with the arrival of the armada, which was at first mostly from the American Fifth Army headed by General Clark.”
These photos tell the story of General Clark's entrance into Rome. It explains how his motorcade made a wrong turn and ended up at St. Peter's Square before arriving at his destination at the Campidoglio Hill for the welcome ceremony.
On display there are many photographs from newspapers and magazines from the United States, Europe, and even the Vatican newspaper. They all announce the arrival of Allied troops.
Giovanni Cipriani
Cultural Institute for the Promotion of Books (Italy)
“This picture shows the very center of town, behind me here is the Palazzo Chigi, a building which was then the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry, when a column of Italian troops from Naples, re-entered for the first time with the people of Rome celebrating.”
The exhibit is divided into different sections such as recently discovered colored photos. Other sections are dedicated to Americans, British, and other members of the Allied forces. These photos remember Jewish soldiers who fought to liberate Rome and many of whom met at the local Synagogue.
Many of the American soldiers that helped to liberate Rome found a special homecoming.
Giovanni Cipriani
Cultural Institute for the Promotion of Books (Italy)
“There was immediately also this sympathy especially among Italians and U.S. soldiers. It's also worth remembering that many soldiers from the United States were also Italian or were the children of Italians who immigrated to the US.”
The 'The Liberation of Rome' has been visited by hundreds of tourists everyday as they pass by the different fountains and historic buildings.
The exhibit has also helped to remember one of the most important days in the history of Rome and one that shaped the future of the city.
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