History of Russia: Name of Alexander Suvorov immortalized in Milan

Today Milan has paid tribute to the prominent Russian general Alexander Suvorov. A commemorative plaque was opened in the very heart of Milan to mark his victorious campaign for liberation of northern Italy from Napoleon.

The marble plaque on the wall of Belgiojoso Palace reads that here in 1799 during his Italian campaign stayed Russian field marshal. For this mission, during which Suvorov commanded the united Russian-Austrian army, he was given the title of Prince Italiysky. This memorial plaque is the first commemorative sign in honor of Alexander Suvorov in Milan.

The solemn ceremony brought together representatives of the Center of National Glory of Russia, Milan City Hall, the Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force, representatives of Moscow patriarchate in Western Europe bishop Nester of Korsun and bishop Michael of Geneva.

Musicians of Moscow Suvorov Military School performed anthems of Italy and Russia. Later Italian drummers and Suvorov Military School students marched in the central square of Milan by the famous Milan Cathedral. The concert of Suvorov Military School musicians, who flawlessly performed marches, as well as folk songs, suited tastes of residents and guests of Milan, who applauded to Russian students.

In Milan’s St. George Cathedral, where once at request of Suvorov was chanted a liturgy, the choir of St. Daniel Monastery sang a penitential canon, written by Suvorov on the eve of his last Italian and Swiss campaigns.

The vice president of the Center of National Glory of Russia Mikhail Yakushev said that commemorative events in honor of Suvorov fit perfectly the Cultural Exchange Year for Italy and Russia. He mentioned that Suvorov was an outstanding personality, “who not only liberated these lands, but also called on peoples to unite”.

In the square by Belgiojoso Palace came to an end the memorial cycle race following the traces of Suvorov’s campaign.