Giulino di Mezzegra Mussolini Execution Site
The site where Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was executed on April 28, 1945, marking a pivotal end to WWII in Italy.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Avoid the midday heat.
Giulino di Mezzegra Mussolini Execution Site
Best Time
Avoid the midday heat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The site where Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was executed on April 28, 1945, marking a pivotal end to WWII in Italy.
"A somber, historically significant roadside stop for reflection on the end of WWII."
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is uphill from the lake. Good walking shoes are essential for the trek. :athletic_shoe:
Brief Visit Recommended
There isn't much to see beyond plaques; a quick stop is sufficient. :stopwatch:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Execution Site Memorial
Giulino di Mezzegra
Plaques and an information board mark the exact spot where Mussolini and Petacci were shot. A poignant reminder of WWII's end.
Informational Board
Giulino di Mezzegra
Details the events of April 28, 1945, offering historical context for this significant location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Somber Historical Stop
Respectful Reflection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is uphill from the lake. Good walking shoes are essential for the trek. :athletic_shoe:
Brief Visit Recommended
There isn't much to see beyond plaques; a quick stop is sufficient. :stopwatch:
Combine with Lake Como
Perfect stop after visiting Villa Balbianello or before catching the Lenno ferry. :ferry:
Historical Significance
A place to remember WW2 events and reflect on history. :books:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site is uphill from the lake. Good walking shoes are essential for the trek. :athletic_shoe:
Brief Visit Recommended
There isn't much to see beyond plaques; a quick stop is sufficient. :stopwatch:
Combine with Lake Como
Perfect stop after visiting Villa Balbianello or before catching the Lenno ferry. :ferry:
Historical Significance
A place to remember WW2 events and reflect on history. :books:
Respectful Conduct
Approach the site with respect for the historical events. :pray:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the site historically significant, offering a tangible connection to the end of Mussolini's regime. While the location itself is simple, it prompts reflection on WWII events. Some note the controversial nature of the execution and the uphill walk, suggesting it's a brief, contemplative stop rather than a major attraction.
"A leader whose ideology shaped and guided a generation from 7 to 70. He was captured in a German convoy seeking refuge in Switzerland and later held in a farmhouse. Less than 24 hours after his capture, rebels suddenly stopped their car in front of the house and demanded he get out. He and his lover were taken from the vehicle, taken away, and shot dead. A statesman and a civilian killed without trial. While his execution is unacceptable, this is a tragic event."
Hetz Mich nicht
"Several plaques and an information board by the roadside marking the location where Benito Mussolini and Claretta Petacci were executed.
It is around 20 minutes walk from the lakeside uphill (there is a footpath but some of the way you walk along the road).
The location is along a quiet and unassuming residential street.
✅Good points:
Interesting for those interested in history, and important not to forget the events of WW2. Walkable from the town and Lenno feeryport. Good way to spend time while waiting for the Lenno ferry after seeing the Villa Balbianello in the morning. Thirty seconds along the road is a stone picnic table with a tap where you can rest in the shade.
👎🏻Potential drawbacks:
Not much to see other than a few plaques by the roadside, can be seen in less than ten minutes. Some may find this a tiring walk uphill away from the lake in the heat of the day."
Emily
"Very emotional to think what happened there, it is important to remember the war."
Steve Phillips
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The site is located in Giulino di Mezzegra, a frazione of Tremezzina, on the western shore of Lake Como. It's a walk uphill from the lakeside, approximately 20 minutes. You can also reach it by car, but parking might be limited on the quiet residential street. Consider it a stop when exploring the Lake Como area.
While there isn't direct public transport to the exact spot, you can take a bus to Mezzegra or Tremezzo and then walk. The ferry port in Lenno is also a walkable distance, making it a good option if you're arriving by boat.
Yes, you can drive to Giulino di Mezzegra. The site is on a quiet residential street. Be mindful of local residents when parking.
Many visitors combine a trip to the execution site with nearby attractions like Villa del Balbianello. You can walk from Lenno after visiting the villa or before catching a ferry.
The walk is uphill from the lake and can be tiring, especially in the heat. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit the execution site. It's a public roadside location marked by plaques and an informational board.
The site is accessible at any time as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to read the information board.
There is no entrance fee. The site is free to visit and is a place for historical reflection.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of visibility to read the historical markers.
Mornings or late afternoons are generally pleasant to avoid the midday sun and enjoy a more reflective atmosphere.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You'll find several plaques and an informational board by the roadside marking the exact location where Benito Mussolini and Clara Petacci were executed on April 28, 1945.
Most visitors spend less than ten minutes at the site, as it's a brief stop for historical reflection.
The site is a place of historical significance related to WWII. Parents can decide if the topic is appropriate for their children. The walk uphill might also be a consideration.
There are no specific facilities at the site itself. However, there is a stone picnic table with a tap nearby where you can rest in the shade.
Giulino di Mezzegra is historically significant as the location where Benito Mussolini, the fascist dictator of Italy, and his lover Clara Petacci were executed by Italian partisans on April 28, 1945, marking a pivotal moment at the end of World War II. +2
📸 📸 Photography
The main photo opportunities are the plaques and the informational board. Capturing the quiet, unassuming residential street can also convey the atmosphere of the location.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, it's important to be respectful of the historical nature of the site and any residents in the area.
You can photograph the memorial plaques, the informational board, and the surrounding streetscape to document your visit and the historical context.
While there are no explicit restrictions, it's advisable to avoid intrusive photography and be mindful of the solemnity of the location.
Late afternoon often provides softer light, which can be good for capturing the atmosphere of the quiet street.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Enthusiasts
Consider visiting after exploring other historical sites in the region to build a comprehensive understanding of the era. The site serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of political extremism and the dramatic conclusion of a tumultuous period in Italian history.
Day-Trippers from Lake Como
Plan for a short stop, perhaps before or after a ferry ride, and be prepared for a short uphill walk. It’s a place for a quick, reflective moment rather than an extended activity. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The End of Il Duce
Here, they were summarily executed without trial. This event was a dramatic conclusion to Mussolini's regime and a significant moment in the closing days of World War II in Europe. The execution was carried out by partisans, and the bodies were later displayed publicly in Milan, a stark symbol of the fall of fascism.
Today, the site is marked by several plaques and an informational board, serving as a place for historical reflection. While the historical weight is immense, the location itself is a quiet, residential street, underscoring the abrupt and unceremonious end to a controversial figure's life.
Visiting the Site: Practicalities and Perspectives
Community feedback suggests that the site itself is not a major attraction in terms of visual spectacle. It primarily consists of roadside plaques and an information board. Therefore, a visit is typically brief, often less than ten minutes.
Despite its simplicity, the site holds significant historical importance. It offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in World War II history. For those interested in history, it's a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance of the events that shaped the 20th century.
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