these raids were aimed at either the airfield, which was destroyed on 20 May killing 1,600 German soldiers, or the railway station, destroyed on 9 September, but caused further damage and casualties to the city as well. Several historical buildings were also hit, such as the , home to the Chelliana Library and the Archaeological Museum, the , and the Art Museum of the Diocese of Grosseto. The 16th-century Casino delle Palle was completely destroyed. Reconstruction The city's reconstruction began after the proclamation of the Italian Republic, with the Piano parziale di ricostruzione implemented by the Comune in 1948. The massive destruction of an area of the historic centre led to the creation of a new square, Piazza della Palma. Bishop commissioned the construction of a basilica to pay homage to the fallen in the bombings. The Basilica of Sacro Cuore di Gesù was consecrated on 26 April 1958, anniversary of the Easter Monday massacre. The church's crypt is also decorated with the names of the civilians died in the bombings. Notes Bibliography External links World War II operations and battles of the Italian Campaign 1943 in Italy Italy in World War II World War II strategic bombing Grosseto Italy–United States military relations