Statue of Minerva (Piazzale Minerva, Pavia)

The Minerva Statue welcomes visitors and stands in Piazzale Minerva in Pavia.
The goddess's body, visible in the arms and face, is made of bronze, while her robe is made of marble.
Originally the goddess probably had bare breasts, but out of prudishness they were covered with a light cloak-shaped plate.
It is striking that the Minerva's lance in Pavia points downwards, which may symbolize the superiority of culture over weapons. This is associated with the nearby university.
The Minerva statue turns its back on Milan, the eternal enemy. With her shield and lance she seems to want to control and defend the city.

Statue of artistic and historical interest

The work was created by the sculptor Francesco Messina (author among other things of the RAI horse) in 1938, in full fascist era.