Pianto Romano, Military cemetery in Calatafimi-Segesta, Italy

Pianto Romano is a Garibaldian memorial on the summit of the hill where the Battle of Calatafimi was fought on 15 May 1860, a few kilometres from Calatafimi Segesta. Built of grey limestone from Alcamo, it takes the form of an obelisk: a banded square base with an arched entrance and dark interior, a triangular pediment with small round studs, and a tapering square shaft bearing a bronze bird with spread wings. The ossuary inside holds the remains of Garibaldini, picciotti and Bourbon soldiers.

The site marks the Battle of Calatafimi, fought in May 1860 between Garibaldi's volunteer forces and the Bourbon army during the campaign that led to Italian unification. The memorial was inaugurated in 1892, designed by architect Ernesto Basile.

The monument is decorated with two bronze reliefs set into rectangular openings, made by Giovanni Battista Tassara, one of Garibaldi's Thousand; they show the landing at Marsala and the Battle of Calatafimi and were added after the inauguration. A bronze garland of palm and oak also adorns the obelisk.

The cemetery sits on a hill southwest of Calatafimi's town center and is clearly signposted from the main road. A short walk around the grounds is enough to see all the memorials, so a visit works well at any time of day.

The bronze high-reliefs on the obelisk were added only after the inauguration; they are by Giovanni Battista Tassara, one of Garibaldi's Thousand, and show the landing at Marsala and the Battle of Calatafimi. A bronze garland of palm and oak leaves accompanies them.