The Halberd and the Compass: The Revival of Freemasonry in Post-War Trieste

On Saturday, 14 December, the Antiquarian Bookshop Umberto Saba in Trieste hosted the presentation of L’alabarda e il compasso. La rinascita della massoneria a Trieste (1947-1954) (Antilia, 2024) by Michele Valente. Organised by the cultural association “Società Internazionale di divulgazione Manlio Cecovini per gli studi storici sociali ed etici,” the event marked the launch of the association’s new editorial series, Storia, etica e società. Historians Luca G. Manenti and Roberto Spazzali led the large audience through an in-depth analysis of the book and its historical context.

A Book Weaving Memory and Historical Research
Luca Manenti opened the event with an emotional tribute to Michele Valente, the author who passed away prematurely, highlighting his dedication and passion for the project. Originally conceived as a thesis in the 1990s, the text was revisited and adapted by Valente in collaboration with Manenti to provide a fresh contribution to the understanding of Triestine Freemasonry during the Free Territory of Trieste (FTT) period.
Valente’s research, drawing on unpublished documents and oral interviews, uncovers the complexities of a subject often overlooked. The book traces the story of the Triestine brotherhood through alliances and divisions, offering a detailed and nuanced account. The speakers emphasized how the book makes complex themes accessible through clear writing, enhanced by maps and diagrams that guide readers through a dense historical landscape.

Triestine Freemasonry and Its Role in Post-War Politics
A key theme of the discussion was the role of Triestine Freemasonry in rebuilding the social and political fabric after World War II. In 1947, with the establishment of the Free Territory, the Grand Lodge of the FTT emerged in a context of fierce rivalry with Yugoslav Freemasonry, both vying to shape the city’s future. Trieste, as a politically contested territory, became a focal point for competing cultural and political visions.
Manenti noted that, unlike post-war Italian Freemasonry, which remained tied to Risorgimento values, the Triestine brotherhood stood out for its willingness to engage with the Catholic Church, seeking common ground in the name of Trieste’s Italian identity. Eager to heal internal divisions, Triestine Freemasonry played a significant role in public discourse, supporting the process that led to Trieste’s return to Italy.

From Origins to 1954: Revival and Decline
The book begins by recounting the rebirth of Freemasonry after the difficult years of the Fascist regime, which had dissolved it in 1925 with the law on secret societies. In the post-war years, Triestine Freemasonry regained strength thanks to the efforts of prominent local figures and the support of American Freemasonry, which was keen on maintaining geopolitical control over the region.
The experience of the Triestine Grand Lodge came to an end in 1953, a year before the London Memorandum. This marked a general awareness of Trieste’s imminent return to Italy, rendering unnecessary an institution born in a political context that was about to be surpassed.

A Valuable Contribution to Trieste’s History
The event highlighted the significance of Valente’s work, which not only reconstructs the history of Triestine Freemasonry but also captures the cultural and political atmosphere of a city suspended between two worlds. The reflections of the speakers enriched the discussion, paving the way for further exploration of a topic still partly uncharted.

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