Spire G25 is dominated by a massive statue with its body turned toward the south, but with its face looking south-west. This is the direction from which the south-west wind blows, coming from Libya and known for the heat and fine desert dust it carries. The Southern Sentinel holds a spear at his right side, resting the entire weight of his body on it, perhaps reflecting the tiredness of centuries of vigilance.

Identified as a warrior by his helmet and armor, he has guarded the southern gate of the city for dozens of generations. This gate was fundamental for the city, used by everyone from the Byzantines during the siege to Emperor Frederick II. The Sentinel remains on guard with his most important weapon: his gaze. With it, he records those who enter and leave the city, preserving their memory in marble. He is the Sentinel for all those passing through and for those who host strangers, sharing with them bread and wine—the medicines of life.

The tales of the statue in the Duomo’s building site:

The statue that can be admired today on spire G25 is likely a reproduction. The original version was created in 1653 by the sculptor Giovanni Andrea Prevosto, who designed the preparatory model and was already active at the Duomo’s building site. He worked alongside the craftsman Francesco Muttone, who was responsible for creating the top of the spire.

Documents found and studied in the Veneranda Fabbrica Archive help reconstruct the history of the Southern Sentinel within the shipyard. Records show that the Sentinel was never moved from its original position, unlike many other statues that have been relocated over time.