Enrico Pedenovi Plaque

Visiting the Enrico Pedenovi Plaque in Milan: Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Introduction

The Enrico Pedenovi Plaque stands as a sobering memorial to one of the most turbulent periods in Italy’s modern history—the “Years of Lead” (Anni di Piombo), which spanned from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. This period was marked by ideological extremism, political violence, and social upheaval. Enrico Pedenovi, a provincial councilor and lawyer affiliated with the Movimento Sociale Italiano (MSI), became one of its tragic victims when he was assassinated in Milan on April 29, 1976, by the far-left terrorist group Prima Linea. The plaque not only honors his memory but also serves as a broader reflection on the costs of political radicalization.

This guide provides practical visitor information, historical context, nearby attractions, and tips for making your visit respectful and meaningful. It also addresses the ongoing debates and controversies that continue to surround the memorial, reflecting the complexities of Italy’s collective memory.

For additional information and updates, consult reputable local news and tourism resources (La Città del Nord Milano, MilanoToday, Prima Milano Ovest).

Location and How to Visit

Main Sites

There are two principal memorial locations:

Viale Lombardia, Milan: The original site of the assassination, marked with a commemorative plaque near Piazza Durante. This site is accessible at all times and is located in a typical Milanese residential neighborhood.
[Piazzetta in Sesto San Giovanni: A newly dedicated public square at the intersection of Via Cavallotti and Via Cadorna, inaugurated in 2025. This piazzetta jointly commemorates Enrico Pedenovi and Sergio Ramelli, another victim of the Anni di Piombo. The area is easily reached via Milan Metro M1 (Red Line) at Sesto 1° Maggio FS station (La Città del Nord Milano).](#piazzetta-in-sesto-san-giovanni:-a-newly-dedicated-public-square-at-the-intersection-of-via-cavallotti-and-via-cadorna,-inaugurated-in-2025.-this-piazzetta-jointly-commemorates-enrico-pedenovi-and-sergio-ramelli,-another-victim-of-the-anni-di-piombo.-the-area-is-easily-reached-via-milan-metro-m1-(red-line)-at-sesto-1°-maggio-fs-station-(la-città-del-nord-milano).)

Directions and Accessibility

By Metro: Take Line M2 (Green Line) to Piola for Viale Lombardia or Line M1 (Red Line) to Sesto 1° Maggio FS for Sesto San Giovanni.
By Bus/Tram: Multiple bus and tram routes serve both sites; check ATM Milano for current schedules.
On Foot/Bike: Both areas are pedestrian-friendly and accessible by bike.
Accessibility: Both memorials are on flat, paved surfaces suitable for visitors with mobility challenges, though some sidewalks may be uneven.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Both sites are in open public spaces, accessible 24/7 year-round. Daytime visits are recommended for safety and visibility.
Tickets: No admission fee or tickets are required.

What to Expect at the Memorials

Description

Viale Lombardia Plaque: Modest metal or stone plaque affixed to a wall, bearing Pedenovi’s name, date of death, and a short commemoration. The surrounding area is a typical urban neighborhood with local businesses and residences.
Sesto San Giovanni Piazzetta: A landscaped public space with benches and a commemorative monument for both Pedenovi and Ramelli. Inscribed as “vittime dell’odio politico” (“victims of political hatred”), the piazzetta provides a tranquil setting for reflection (MilanoToday, Prima Milano Ovest).

Atmosphere

These sites are generally peaceful except during annual commemorations on April 29, when ceremonies, speeches, and public gatherings take place. Photography is permitted, but visitors should be discreet, especially during events.

Historical Context

Enrico Pedenovi’s assassination in 1976 by the terrorist group Prima Linea epitomized the violence of the Years of Lead. The plaque is not only a personal memorial but also a symbol of the broader struggle between competing political ideologies that shaped Italy’s late 20th-century history. The Sesto San Giovanni piazzetta also honors Sergio Ramelli, another MSI-affiliated victim, underlining the era’s tragic toll on young political activists.

The memorials invite visitors to reflect on the consequences of extremism and the importance of democratic values.

Controversies and Public Response

Political Debates

The dedication of the Sesto San Giovanni piazzetta has ignited debate due to the area’s legacy as a center of the Italian Resistance. Groups such as ANPI (National Association of Italian Partisans) have criticized the focus on MSI-linked victims, advocating for more inclusive commemorations that honor all victims of political violence (La Città del Nord Milano).

Acts of Vandalism

Shortly after its inauguration, the Sesto San Giovanni monument suffered vandalism, including graffiti and the deposition of excrement. Local authorities strongly condemned these actions, reiterating the need for respect and emphasizing that all victims deserve remembrance, regardless of political affiliation (MilanoToday).

Community and Official Responses

City officials stress that the commemorations transcend political divides and aim to foster a culture of memory, quoting, “Non esistono morti di serie A e morti di serie B” (“There are no first-class and second-class victims”).

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Times: Daytime hours are recommended; annual commemorations occur on April 29.
Safety: The sites are in safe, well-trafficked areas. Standard urban precautions apply.
Respect: Approach with sensitivity. Avoid disruptive behavior, especially during ceremonies.
Amenities: Nearby cafés and restaurants are plentiful; public restrooms are available in local businesses.

Nearby Attractions

Sergio Ramelli Memorial: In Sesto San Giovanni, dedicated to another victim of the same era.
Museo del Novecento: Exhibits on 20th-century Italian history and art.
Politecnico di Milano: Historic university in the vicinity.
Corso Buenos Aires: Major shopping avenue.
Santa Maria Bianca della Misericordia Church: Local historical church.
Memoriale della Shoah: Holocaust memorial site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there ticket fees or entrance requirements?
A: No, both sites are in public spaces and are free to visit.

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Both memorials are accessible 24/7, year-round.

Q: Are the sites accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, both are located on flat, paved areas.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but be discreet, especially during commemorative events.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No dedicated tours, but some local history tours may include these sites.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Daytime, with special events on April 29.

Recommendations for a Meaningful Visit

Take time to reflect at the monument and consider the broader historical context.
Combine your visit with nearby cultural and historical sites.
Consult local guides or resources for in-depth insights.
Stay updated on commemorative events via local news and tourism offices.

Visuals and Media

For images of the plaque and commemorative sites, consult resources such as Wikimedia Commons. Interactive maps and virtual tours are available through Milan’s official tourism platforms.

Additional Resources

Summary

The Enrico Pedenovi Plaque in Milan and the commemorative piazzetta in Sesto San Giovanni are powerful reminders of Italy’s complex political history during the Years of Lead. Freely accessible and situated in easily reachable locations, these sites provide meaningful opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and education. Ongoing debates and incidents of vandalism underscore the monuments’ continued relevance in Italy’s efforts to reconcile with its past.

For further exploration, combine your visit with other Milanese historical sites and consult local resources or guided tours for deeper understanding. Download the Audiala app and follow official news sources for up-to-date information on events and commemorations.