Italian Ambassador attends Vergarolla massacre 80th anniversary in Pula

Italian Ambassador to Croatia, Paolo Trichilo, attended a commemoration in Pula to mark the 80th anniversary of the Vergarolla massacre. The event, organized by local authorities with embassy support, honors the victims of the August 18, 1946, explosion of war material on a beach, which killed over 100 Italians, 64 of whom were identified.

The ceremony included the launching of flower wreaths from a boat, a Mass at the Pula Cathedral, and the blessing of a new memorial stone bearing the names of the 64 identified victims. During his speech, Ambassador Trichilo emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the massacre, which is closely linked to the history of the Istrian exodus, and expressed hope that the remaining uncertainties surrounding the event might eventually be clarified.

Trichilo also highlighted the friendly relationship between Italy and Croatia as fellow EU members and praised the city of Pula for its collaborative approach toward exiles. The commemoration concluded with the opening of an exhibition by the Regional Institute for Istriano-Fiumano-Dalmatian Culture (IRCI) dedicated to the Italian physician Geppino Micheletti and his rescue efforts.