At about 990 meters above sea level, on Mount Giovi, stands the Pyramid of the Partisans, an imposing monument that dominates the landscape and represents one of the symbolic places of the Tuscan Resistance. Located near the summit, along the paths that cross the lush woods of Mugello, this stone structure is a reference point for the memory of the partisan struggles that took place here during the Second World War. The Pyramid was erected to commemorate the partisans of the Spartaco Lavagnini Brigade, who between 1943 and 1944 found refuge on Mount Giovi and organized resistance against the Nazi-Fascist occupation. This was a strategic point: the mountain, with its dominant position between Mugello and the Val di Sieve, allowed the partisans to monitor enemy movements and conduct guerrilla actions, striking German troops and fascist militias with targeted attacks and then taking refuge in the dense woods. The names of those who fell for freedom are engraved on the Pyramid, a reminder that their sacrifice should not be forgotten. The structure, with its essential and solemn shape, stands as a symbol of the struggle for justice and dignity, reminding anyone who visits of the importance of those days of resistance. It is said that during a German raid, a group of partisans managed to save themselves by hiding near the Pyramid, taking advantage of the terrain and dense vegetation. Others, however, were not as fortunate: young fighters who had chosen to oppose the occupation were captured and executed in the surrounding areas. One of the most touching episodes involves a wounded partisan who, knowing he could no longer escape, decided to distract the enemies, allowing his comrades to escape. His sacrifice is still remembered in the annual ceremonies that take place. Every year, during the Gathering of the Partisans and the Youth, the Pyramid of the Partisans becomes a meeting place for ceremonies, memorial walks, and institutional meetings, attended not only by citizens and associations, but also by former partisans and young people who want to keep the memory of the liberation struggle alive. Mount Giovi and its Pyramid are not just a hiking stop, but a symbol of freedom and justice, a place that speaks of the courage of men and women who fought for a better future.
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Codename: Nello – Text by: Serena Pinzani
Reachable via the following routes
Route 9
The Mugello that never gives up
The paths of the partisans and the struggle for Liberation