On the taxi ride from Malpensa this morning I learned a little history of our neighborhood in Milan. I asked the driver to take me to Piazza Loreto. About 20 minutes into the ride, the driver filled me in on Loreto’s history, specifically regarding Mussolini’s execution.
According to Wikipedia, Mussolini was executed, firing squad style, up in Lake Como. Following his death, Mussolini’s body was brought to Milan, hung on meat hooks at Piazzale Loreto and stoned by the public. Alongside, and also hanging, were his mistress and some peers.
As the taxi cruised into the roundabout, the driver pointed out the exact spot, the scene took place. About 10 steps away from our building’s entrance.
In my jet-lagged haze, I vaguely recalled seniors in their military bests at this location on Italy’s Liberation day this past April. It was here that they placed wreaths at the foot of a seemingly inconsequential sculpture.
The wreaths laid there for weeks after Liberation day, increasingly cracked and broken by the sun. All dried up, save for the piss of dogs walking by, ours included.
The above photo displays Mussolini, 2nd from the left and is from the Italian Wikipedia page on the Death of Benito Mussolini
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Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for sharing your story about Piazza Loreto and Mussolini. I’m researching his execution and his travels. I work for Ghost Hunters International and we’re trying to find Mussolini’s ghost! I wasn’t aware that he was killed at Lake Como before being brought to Piazzale Loreto. Are you able to give me anymore information you may have about the area the taxi driver took you to? I know there are a lot of buildings that surround the town square, but I don’t know what they are and if they allow filming.
I’m glad I came across your blog and I hope you can share any information that can help me with my search. Thank you!!
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