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| The construction of the Charnel House lasted for almost three years and was completed in September 1938. It was opened by Benito Mussolini. The plans for the Charnel House were made by the sculptor Giannino Castiglioni, and the architect Giovanni Grapi. Its overall ground plan is octagonal, containing three diminuating concentric "circles" embracing the tapering hill in the upward direction. On its very top is the ancient church of St. Antony which had been consecrated in 1696. Buried in the Charnel House are mortal remains of 1014 known and unknown Italian soldiers who had been killed in world War I and originally buried in several military cemeteries in the surrounding area. Their names are engraved in the slabs of greenish serpentine. Located along the main staircase are niches with mortal remains of 1748 unknown soldiers. The Charnel House is of an ectraordinary historical, documentary and artistic value. |
