Matera commemorates 83rd anniversary of 1943 anti-fascist insurrection

Matera held ceremonies to mark the 83rd anniversary of the anti-fascist insurrection of September 21, 1943. As the first city in Southern Italy to rebel against Nazifascism, the event honored the memory of 27 victims, including 18 civilians, who died during the period.

Led by Mayor Antonio Nicoletti, the commemorations included the laying of laurel wreaths at several historical sites, including via Lucana, via Cappelluti, and the Monument to the Fallen of the Guardia di Finanza. The city holds both a Silver Medal for Military Valor, awarded in 1966, and a Gold Medal for Civil Valor, awarded in 2016.

Despite the official commemorations, local criticism has been raised regarding the maintenance of a sculpture by Vittorio Basaglia located beneath the City Hall. The artwork, which commemorates the historical event, remains in a state of disrepair despite previous administrative assurances of its restoration.