Monumental Temple to the Fallen of World War I

Ownership: Municipality of Modena

The Temple is dedicated to Saint Joseph and was created also thanks to the contribution of many Modenese citizens, prompted by religious, civic and patriotic devotion.
The first stone was laid on 8 December 1923 in the presence of King Vittorio Emanuele III and of Archbishop Natale Bruni, the benefactor who conceived the monument. The inauguration took place on 3 November 1929.

A funerary chapel on the right of the entrance is dedicated to Natale Bruni, with a Funerary Portrait by Giuseppe Graziosi (1932). The bronze statue of Saint John the Baptist is also by Graziosi.

In the crypt, sculpted on the pilasters and the walls are the names of the 7,237 citizens of Modena who fell during the First World War.
On the portal, a lunette by the painter Evaristo Cappelli depicts the Resurrection of Christ and the figure of “Patria” who cradles the fallen soldier in her arms.

The church is open from Monday to Sunday 8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 6.00 pm. Holy Mass: during working days at 7.45 am, on Saturday at 6.30 pm and on Sunday and public holidays at 8.30 am and 11.00 am. Visits are not allowed during celebrations.

Free entrance.