Monument to the Caduti of the Sea

The monument to those who perished in Africa was designed in 1938, during the Fascist era in memory of the campaign for the colonization of East Africa, by Romano Romanelli. Initially destined to the city of Addis Abeba in Ethiopia, the work was then placed in Syracuse, after having been abandoned for long time in stores and warehouses (with the consequence that some pieces were stolen or were destroyed).
As set by the same Romanelli, the monument is located on the Riviera Dionisio il Grande with its bow facing the sea, in the direction of East Africa.

The monument is made of Carrara marble and white stone; it recalls the shape of a ship and includes six bronze statues representing the military forces of the Italian army, navy and air force who participated in the colonial war; the native troops of Italian East Africa (the so-called Ascari) and Italian workers in Africa.
The work is then surrounded by Carrara marble bas reliefs depicting military and battle’s scenes, scenes of work and the like.

Inside the monument was built a votive chapel dedicated to the Italian legionary fallen in East Africa.