The Prophecies of Santorre di Santarosa
in the hour before his Death.
Screening of the theatrical monologue "9th of May, 1825" by Giovanni Bonavia in Italian with Greek subtitles
As part of the celebrations for the bicentenary of the death of Santorre di Santarosa, a central figure of the Italian Risorgimento and a volunteer in the Greek War of Independence, the island of Leros hosts a cultural event of particular historical and symbolic value.
On Tuesday, 26th og May 2026, at 9:00 pm, at the Teatraki of the Filodrammatica of Leros (Agia Marina – ex Dogana), the screening of the show “SFACTERIA / ΣΦΑΚΤΗΡΙΑ – The prophecies of Santorre di Santarosa in the hour before his death”, based on the theatrical monologue “9th of May 1825” by Giovanni Bonavia, will be presented.
The work reconstructs, with dramatic intensity and historical rigor, the final moments of the Piedmontese hero, who fell on the island of Sphacteria while fighting alongside Greek patriots. Through poetic and visionary language, the monologue gives voice to his reflections, the premonitions, and the sense of destiny that accompanied his sacrifice.
The screening will be in Italian, accompanied by Greek subtitles, to encourage participation from both the local community and international visitors.
The initiative is part of the official commemorations marking the 200th anniversary of Santorre di Santarosa's death. It aims to renew the historical and cultural bond between Italy and Greece and to remember a figure whose commitment contributed to the freedom of both peoples. The initiative is supported by the Network of Philhellenic Societies of Italy.
Date and place of the event 📅 Tuesday, 26th of May 2026 – 9:00 PM 📍 Theatre of the Leros Drama Society, Agia Marina – former Customs House
Santorre Annibale De Rossi di Pomarolo, Count of Santarosa, was born in Savigliano in 1783 and was one of the most brilliant and tragic figures of the early Italian Risorgimento. A patriot, intellectual, and soldier, he participated in the political life of the Kingdom of Sardinia from a young age, distinguishing himself for his moral integrity, culture, and reformist spirit.
In 1821, he was among the protagonists of the Piedmontese constitutional uprisings: a staunch supporter of the granting of a constitutional charter and national independence, he briefly served as Minister of War. The repression of the uprisings forced him into exile, first in France and then in Switzerland, where he continued to write and champion the cause of freedom for the peoples of Europe.
In 1824, driven by an ideal of brotherhood among oppressed peoples, he reached Greece, then engaged in the war of independence against the Ottoman Empire. There he joined the Philhellene volunteers and took part in military operations in the Navarino region.
On 9th of May 1825, during the defense of the island of Sphacteria, Santarosa was killed fighting alongside Greek patriots. His fall, shrouded in an aura of heroism and sacrifice, made him a symbol of a shared ideal: freedom as a universal value, beyond national borders.
Today Santorre di Santarosa is remembered as a moral and historical bridge between Italy and Greece, a man who chose to live and die for a principle greater than himself.