in detail
In 1943, armed resistance against the German occupying forces began in the area of Modena. In June 1944, partisans managed to declare a widespread »Partisan Republic of Montefiorino« in seven municipalities in the Apennines which held free elections. It served as a starting point for acts of sabotage and maintained contact with the Allies. After several weeks, the Partisan Republic was defeated by the German occupying forces and was not able to reorganize until the winter of 1944.
The experiences gathered in the Partisan Republic were afforded great historical and symbolic significance both during and also after the partisan battles. It represented the first attempt to take over an area of Italy occupied by the German Wehrmacht, and that in an area which was located in the immediate vicinity of the »Gotenlinie«, and to provide this area with an administration elected by the people.
The rooms of the »Museum of the Partisan Republic of Montefiorino«, founded in 1979, exhibit weapons, uniforms and everyday objects that have to do with military, political and social resistance and the partisan operations in the mountains. Visitors are provided with reports of the protagonists on video as well as several amateur photos of the liberation of Modena and the presence of the partisans of Modena in the area along the »Gotenlinie«.
In June 1944, partisans managed to declare a widespread »Partisan Republic of Montefiorino« in seven municipalities in the Apennines which held free elections. After several weeks, the Partisan Republic was defeated by the German occupying forces and was not able to reorganize until the winter of 1944.
A museum and a memorial for the armed resistance in Italy work in Montefiorino under the academic directorship of the Institute for the History of the Resistance and of Contemporary History in Modena.
1943
Start of the armed resistance in the Apennines near Modena.
June 1944
Establishment of the 'Partisan Republic of Montefiorino' in the first area to be liberated by the Resistenza in Italy.
1970
The municipality of Montefiorino was awarded the 'Medal of Courage'.
1979
Foundation of the 'Museo della Repubblica partigiana'.
1994
Restructuring of the museum.
1996
Extension of the museum with two new halls.
2004
Opening of the Educational Room.
Montefiorino, 1944, Photograph of a partisan group from the Bigi Brigades of Montefiorino, Comune di Montefiorino.
Montefiorino, 2000, View of the medieval fort of Montefiorino, which houses the museum, Comune di Montefiorino.
Montefiorino, 1996, View of the first hall of the Museum of Montefiorino, Comune di Montefiorino.
