An imposing feline observes visitors in the Ligurian village of Triora, also known as the “country of witches“. It is not life-size, but measures 3 metres. It has a bronze body with visible signs and a very important message for which it is the spokesperson.
It is the Cat of Triora condemned by the Inquisition, a symbolic monument that intends ask for forgiveness from all animals tortured by dark beliefs and human cruelty.
Designed by artist Elena Rede and the team at Triora Project as part of the Grand Pardon initiative, the Triora Cat commemorates all the victims of the Inquisition. Not only humans, but also animals such as cats.
Deemed fellow sorcererscats, dogs and other animals were burned alive and killed because they were accused of practicing witchcraft alongside their owners. And it was especially the village of Triora that was considered a demonic place, a den of the dark. It was precisely in Triora, between 1587 and 1589, that one of the largest witch trials was held.
This sculpture with such a powerful meaning stands in fact on a mountain ledge that can be found on the Path of the Witches, at 800 meters above sea level. It dominates humans, the same ones who brought death and suffering over the centuries of witch hunts.
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But today, we humans can apologize to animals for the harm inflicted on them so as not to forget what happened and not repeat the same mistake.
Everyone can come here, climb up, look at the cat through the eyes of a creature of smaller size, mentally apologize for the sins of humanity. No cat ever had the idea of torturing a man. Why should we do it? Who gave us this right?” can be read on the introductory page of the project.
It must serve as a warning to us, as reminder of our actions. Times have indeed changed, but animals continue to be victims of human wickedness and ignorance.
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