CHARLES ALBERT I OF SARDINIA

KING CHARLES ALBERT I OF SARDINIA

Uncover a remarkable collection of original documents, letters, decrees, edicts, and personal correspondences from the reign of King Charles Albert I of Sardinia, offering historians, collectors, and enthusiasts a window into the life and vision of a monarch pivotal to Italy’s unification efforts. This curated selection showcases Charles Albert’s policies, military campaigns, and social reforms, shedding light on his role in the Risorgimento movement and his ambition to unify the Italian states under a single banner. Each artifact in this collection captures the spirit of a reformist king navigating complex political landscapes, determined to lay the foundations for a unified and sovereign Italy.

King Charles Albert I, who ruled Sardinia from 1831 to 1849, is remembered as the “Italian Knight” for his dedication to the cause of Italian unity and independence from foreign rule. Under his leadership, Sardinia implemented significant liberal reforms, including the Statuto Albertino, a constitution that introduced a parliamentary system and expanded civil liberties. Charles Albert led military campaigns against Austrian control in Northern Italy, initiating the First Italian War of Independence. Although his efforts ultimately met with defeat, his passionate pursuit of Italian unity inspired the movement that would later lead to the creation of the Kingdom of Italy. His legacy endures as a courageous and progressive monarch who paved the way for Italian unification and modern governance.