Victor Emmanuel

The monument to King Victor Emmanuel II in the Piazza del Duomo, Milan. The equestrian bronze statue shows Victor Emmanuel during the Risorgimento, as the movement which drove the unification of Italy in the 1850-60s is known. Despite being cast in 1878 the statue was not placed in its current position facing the cathedral until 1896.

Although the first king of a united Italy, Victor Emmanuel retained his existing title as King of Sardinia, and is thus Victor Emmanuel II, not as you would expect, Victor Emmanuel I.

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Christmas Trees: The Parents and Friends of the State Schools in Preuilly sur Claise (Association des Parents d'Elèves et Amis des Ecoles Publiques de Preuilly sur Claise) are organising the sale of Christmas trees. The trees (Sapins Nordmann or Nordmann Firs) are the sort that don't drop their needles. If you want one you need to order it by 2 November. To do so pick up an order form from the boulangerie or other shop in Preuilly, attach your cheque to it and drop your order in to the mairie. You can pick up your tree at the Christmas market on Saturday 5 December in the Place du Champ de Foire. The money raised goes towards financing cultural activities for the children. Prices range from €15 for a 80cm to 1m high cut tree to €35 for a 175cm to 2m high cut tree. You can also get trees in pots suitable for planting out after Christmas.