Lights of History at Porta Pia

A tribute to the feathered infantry in the heart of Rome

"Lights of History at Porta Pia" is an annual September event that transforms the courtyard of the Bersaglieri Historical Museum, just steps from Porta Pia, into a stage for light, music, and remembrance. The event is organized by the National Bersaglieri Association (Rome Capital Section) in collaboration with the museum and the support of the capital's military bodies, held in Rome's Municipio II near the Corps' symbolic monument.

The Breach of Porta Pia, September 20, 1870

The event celebrates the anniversary of the Breach of Porta Pia: on September 20, 1870, the Bersaglieri breached the Aurelian Walls and entered Rome, ending the Papal States and making the Eternal City the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The entire program revolves around this date, which is deeply significant for both Romans and the Bersaglieri Corps, designed to pass historical memory to new generations through live performance.

A spectacle of lights, music, and fanfares

In the museum courtyard, evening after evening, Bersaglieri fanfares, military and police bands (Army, Navy, Carabinieri, Rome Local Police), choirs, opera performances, and concerts ranging from classical to jazz and gospel take the stage. The program also includes book presentations, historical lectures, and light projections on the facades, offering the public a solemn yet festive atmosphere. Admission is free, subject to availability in the courtyard.

Venue: The Bersaglieri Historical Museum

The event is hosted at the Bersaglieri Historical Museum, located within the historic structures of Porta Pia in Rome's Municipio II (Province of Rome, Lazio). The museum preserves relics, flags, uniforms, and documents chronicling the history of the Corps from 1836 to the present day; the festival is a perfect opportunity to visit its halls and discover a piece of Risorgimento history in the city center.

A meeting of memory and community

More than just a musical review, "Lights of History at Porta Pia" is a civic ritual that unites veterans, families, students, and military history enthusiasts. The combination of re-enactment, music, and light displays makes it an event for everyone, capable of explaining to a general audience why the Breach of Porta Pia remains one of the most important chapters of the Italian Risorgimento.