Minerva, a Roman assimilation of the Greek Athena, is the goddess of all the arts that require skill. knowledge and memory but it is also Athena Polias, goddess of the city.

The monument stands in the centre of Piazza d’Armi and comprises several elements. In the centre of three steps is a tall parallelepiped with a square section. Above this rises an Ionic column, in Botticino stone like the other parts and with a bronze plinth and base, in the Corinthian order. A marble statue of Minerva stands on this.