“The 40 Days of Terror”: book on Gorizia (1 May–12 June 1945) reopens a

“The 40 Days of Terror”: Gorizia, May–June 1945

Researcher and writer Mauro Tonino has released the essay “The 40 Days of Terror”, documenting the partisan occupation of Gorizia from 1 May to 12 June 1945. The work draws on previously unpublished records held by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and sheds new light on what Rome knew and when.

The book was presented in the Tessitori hall of the Regional Council of Friuli Venezia Giulia, features a foreword by reporter Fausto Biloslavo and was produced in collaboration with Luca Urizio, president of the National League of Gorizia.

• New sources: previously unseen documents from the Farnesina enrich the historical record.
• Core argument: the author argues that the Italian government was aware as early as 1943 of events in Istria.
• Gorizia lapidary: the volume contextualizes the Rimembranza park monument, described as unique in Italy for victims of pro‑Yugoslav communist violence.
• Public presentation: regional council representatives emphasized the role of shared memory in understanding the past.

The essay calls for a documented re‑examination of the complex history of the eastern border, proposing memory as a tool for knowledge and reflection rather than division.