Statua del Regisole
Sightseeing attraction | Pavia | Lombardia | Italy
The "Statua del Regisole" in Pavia is an important equestrian statue with a tumultuous history. The original monument was a late antique or early medieval bronze statue depicting an emperor or king on horseback. Originally located in Ravenna, it was brought to Pavia in the Middle Ages, where it stood on a column in front of the cathedral, serving as a symbol of the city's connection to the Roman Empire.
The exact identity of the person depicted remains controversial to this day. Some historians speculate that it is Theoderic the Great, the king of the Ostrogoths, while others believe the statue represents a Roman emperor like Septimius Severus. Regardless of its exact origin, over the centuries the statue became a landmark of Pavia and inspired numerous artists, including Leonardo da Vinci, who captured it in his sketches.
In 1796, the original statue was destroyed by the Jacobins as it was seen as a symbol of monarchy. It wasn't until 1937, during Italy's fascist era, that a replica of the statue was created by the sculptor Francesco Messina and placed in front of the cathedral in Pavia. This replica, standing at approximately six meters tall, remains at the site to this day, reminding of the historical significance of the original monument.
The "Statua del Regisole" continues to be a central element of Pavia's cultural identity, bearing witness to the city's rich history and its connection to both the Roman and medieval past.
