Martin M. Miles' photos with the keyword: Guglielmo Marconi

The Villa Griffone and Guglielmo Marconi. After some experiments undertaken here, 21 year old Marconi connected a grounded antenna to its transmitter under the attic of the Villa Griffone. In summer 1895 he was able to transmit radiotelegraphic signals at a distance of about two kilometers. The reception was communicated to Marconi with a gunshot. This event cannot be overestimated, as this is the beginning of the era of wireless communication. A milestone of modern technology. Marshall McLuhan claimed that this moment marked the end of the "Gutenberg Galaxy" and the beginning of the "Marconi-Galaxy". The technic, we all use in our everyday life, is a result of what happened here in 1895. Today the villa houses the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation and an "Amateur Radio Station", call sign is IY4FGM.

The Villa Griffone was purchased by Giuseppe Marconi in the mid 19th century to establish silkworm breeding here, but it was rather used as a summer house. Giuseppe´s genious son Guglielmo, who won the nobel prize in 1909, spent much time here. Today the villa houses the Guglielmo Marconi Foundation. In the mausoleum below are the sarcophags of Guglielmo and his second wife Maria Cristina Bezzi Scali.