Adoption of National Anthem

Date: October 12, 1946 • Location: Rome, Italy

Il Canto degli Italiani is adopted as national anthem by the newly formed Italian Republic.

"Il Canto degli italiani" is a patriotic song written by Goffredo Mameli and set to music by Michele Novaro in 1847, currently used as the national anthem of Italy. It is known among Italians as the "Inno di Mameli"—after the author of the lyrics—or as "Fratelli d'Italia"—from the song's opening line. The piece, in 44 time signature and B-flat major key, has six strophes, and a refrain sung after each. The sixth group of verses, almost never performed, recalls the text of the first strophe.