About Salvatore

Salvatore Di Leo is a fictional character created by me, but inspired by a real historical figure: the Italian writer Giani Stuparich. The name “Salvatore” is symbolic, meaning “the one who comes to save.”

In early 20th-century Trieste, there was a political movement known as Irredentism, which advocated for the city’s Italian identity. Salvatore, like Giani at the beginning, is convinced that Italy will save Trieste from Austrian rule. However, his experience at the front as a soldier, and the violent and disrespectful policies imposed by Italy on Trieste after its annexation, will lead him to reconsider his beliefs and choices.

Salvatore was born in Florence at the end of the 19th century and later moved with his family to Trieste for economic reasons. At the time, Florence was part of the Kingdom of Italy, which made Salvatore, in effect, an immigrant in Trieste.

At school, he meets Angelo, who quickly becomes his best friend and eventually his great love. Angelo, nevertheless, is a citizen of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and when war breaks out, he will be called to fight on the opposite side.

Will the two lovers be able to remain united? Watch the video to discover their story.