Restoration of the Monument to the Fallen of the 363rd US Infantry Regiment

The project concerns the restoration and enhancement of the monument to the fallen of the 363rd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. 91st Division, located on the small hill at Elevation 563 in the locality of Poggio di Castro, in the municipal territory of Scarperia e San Piero (FI), about 2 km north of the Museum of the Gothic Line (MuGot), along the road leading towards Omomorto.

The intervention, coordinated by Gotica Toscana APS with the support of the Municipality, stems from the need to restore the structural and landscape integrity of the monument and to make it fully accessible to the public once again. The work has significant historical and memorial value: it is in fact located in the billeting area of the 363rd Infantry Regiment on the eve of the assault on Monticelli (September 1944), an integral part of the campaign to break through the Gothic Line.

The project is divided into three main objectives:

1. Structural restoration and consolidation of the monument and its foundation ground;
2. Creation of a new vehicle access and parking area, currently absent;
3. Cultural and educational enhancement through historical signage, bilingual panels and the repositioning of the original statue of the infantryman.

Crowdfunding

Support the restoration of the Monument to the Fallen of the 363rd Infantry Regiment, on Poggio di Castro in Scarperia e San Piero. The intervention will restore dignity and accessibility to a symbolic place of the liberation of the Apennines, with the reinstatement of the infantryman’s statue and the consolidation of the monumental area. Every contribution brings us closer to the official reopening of the site and to its integration into the memorial route of the Tuscan Gothic Line.

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Topographical and geological data of the site

The monumental area stands on a small circular hillock, approximately 14 m in diameter and with an average height of 1 m above ground level. The investigations conducted by geologist Andrea Pini (site inspection of 1 February 2022) found:

• outcrops of the Acquerino Formation, with alternations of sandstones and pelites of the Cervarola layer, characterized by good compactness and stability;
• the presence of fill material at the base of the small hillock, the main cause of the differential settlements affecting the steps and the columns of the monument;
• a depressed area on the eastern slope that causes water stagnation and soil saturation, with a consequent reduction in shear strength;
• absence of active or quiescent landslide phenomena within a radius of 500 m;
• area outside the PF3 hazard zone according to the Landslide Hazard Map of the Arno River Basin Authority.

Geotechnical conclusions (Pini, 2022): “The area has a sufficient degree of overall stability, but the superficial fill material is fragile and has inadequate drainage. A detailed investigation into the geometry and thickness of the fill is recommended, together with test pits and exploratory excavations, followed by the installation of a drainage system and consolidation of the base.”

Recorded state of conservation

During the site inspection and photographic documentation (2022–2024), the following were observed:

• widespread cracking on the steps and in the basal section of the columns;
• misalignment of the eastern column, leaning northwards due to settlement of the base;
• erosion of the supporting ground and rainwater infiltration;
• surface deterioration of the travertine and cement joints;
• presence of spontaneous vegetation and lack of regular maintenance;
• limited accessibility: the monument has neither parking nor a stabilized pathway, forcing visitors to leave their vehicle at the La Rocca–Grezzano junction.

Planned restoration works and progress status

Structural consolidation and investigations

• Execution of exploratory test pits and a surface seismic survey (P- and SH-wave tomographic refraction) to verify the depth and continuity of the fill material;
• Installation of longitudinal and perimeter drainage systems for the removal of rainwater;
• Consolidation of the base through low-pressure mortar injections and partial reconstruction of the foundation slab.
  Status: preliminary investigations completed, geological report filed; awaiting start of works in Q1 2026.

Monumental restoration

• Controlled cleaning of the stone surfaces using neutral-based poultices;
• Grouting and restoration of joints with compatible mortar;
• Protective treatment with breathable water-repellent;
• Inspection and fastening of the commemorative plaques with the names of the 436 fallen;
• Reproduction and reinstallation of the infantryman’s statue, originally removed and preserved at the Falciani American Military Cemetery:
  • digital 3D survey completed;
  • UV-resistant polyester resin replica in production;
  • reinstallation planned: TBD

Accessibility and landscape arrangement

• Design of a parking and rest area above the access road;
• Design of a parking and rest area above the access road;
• Installation of bilingual information panels (IT/EN) with QR code linked to the MuGot/izi.TRAVEL portal;
• Light perimeter reforestation and preservation of the original landscape profile.

Status: final design completed, awaiting municipal validation and landscape clearance.

Enhancement and inauguration

• Preparation of informative and communication materials (historical sheets, site plans, 3D renderings);
• Joint inaugural event with civil and military authorities, veterans’ associations and representatives of the U.S. Consulate;
• Integration of the site into the Gotica Toscana memorial route.
• Status: inauguration date TBD

Historical context of the monument and of the 363rd Infantry Regiment

The 363rd Infantry Regiment, part of the 91st “Powder River” Division, belonging to V Corps of the 5th U.S. Army, was deployed in the Italian Campaign in 1944, taking part in the liberation of Tuscany and in the battle to break through the Gothic Line. In September 1944 the regiment established its headquarters and camps in the area between Fattoria del Paretaio and Poggio di Castro, preparing the attack on the German positions of Monticelli and Monte Altuzzo, defended by units of the German 4th Parachute Division.

After days of violent fighting (12–18 September 1944), the height of Monticelli was captured at the cost of heavy losses. The 363rd then continued its advance towards Monghidoro, Livergnano and the Idice Valley, in a mountain war marked by rain, mud and sacrifice.

The monument was erected in the post-war period at the initiative of American veterans of the 91st Division, with the aim of commemorating their fallen comrades. In the 1990s it underwent an initial restoration, promoted by the Rotary Club of Mugello and by local authorities. Today, thanks to the new intervention by Gotica Toscana, the monument is restored to its role as a place of shared memory between Italy and the United States, a testimony to the Liberation and an educational reference point along the Gothic Line route.

Memorial value and territorial network

The restoration of Poggio di Castro is part of the multi-year programme for the protection and enhancement of Allied monuments in the Mugello area, promoted by Gotica Toscana APS in coordination with MuGot – Museum of the Tuscan Gothic Line.

Together with the sites of Monte Altuzzo and Passo del Giogo, and the cemeteries of Falciani and La Futa, the 363rd monument constitutes an essential stop on the historical-educational itinerary “The Gothic Line Experience”, aimed at preserving the memory of the 1944-45 Italian Campaign.

Contacts and references

Client and coordination: Gotica Toscana APS
Collaborating body: Municipality of Scarperia e San Piero
MuGot contact person: Filippo Spadi
Gotica Toscana aps website: Daniele Baggiani