I luoghi della 1000 Miglia 2023 – LEG 3

LEG 3 – THURSDAY 15 JUNE

Siena, San Miniato, Vinci, Pistoia, Modena, Reggio Emilia, Parma

The third leg ascended from the Capital offering lunch in the spectacular Siena, it continued to Pistoia, Modena and Reggio Emilia and finished in Parma.

Siena

Siena welcomed back the 2023 edition of the 1000 Miglia in its “salon”, Piazza il Campo

A timeless example of a medieval jewel, the city of the Palio still lives suspended between past and present. Its artistic and cultural heritage is so rich and unique that it has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, thanks to its historic centre and that drawing room, Piazza Il Campo, which hosted the 2023 edition of the 1000 Miglia. Today, Siena earns another important medal in its “race” towards tomorrow: it is the first Italian and world city of art to be certified as a sustainable destination according to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC-D). This is yet another demonstration of how, despite the strength of its traditions made up not only of history, districts and architecture, but also of gastronomic excellence and a culture of “savoir faire” linked to craftsmanship and small workshops that animate the city centre today as in the past, it is capable of preserving itself by projecting itself into the future.

San Miniato 

The 1000 Miglia in Tuscany’s truffle capital

San Miniato is located in the heart of Tuscany and is called “the city of twenty miles” because it is about 20 km from some of the best-known cities in our region. Many famous people were born or lived here, such as Matilde di Canossa, Francesco Sforza, Lodovico Cardi known as “Il Cigoli” and Giovanbattista Landeschi. Napoleon Bonaparte came to San Miniato in search of noble titles from the Tuscan branch of the Buonaparte family, which had San Miniato origins, such as the Gucci family, the Borromeos, Senator Bucalossi and the Taviani film directors.

San Miniato, a crossroads of routes since antiquity, is located along the Via Francigena and the Romea Strata. The entire territory is dotted with villages, medieval churches and ancient castles. The historic centre, animated by numerous events throughout the year, is a real jewel of medieval layout, with numerous churches, convents and historic buildings, some of which are home to the Museum System, such as the Palazzo Comunale.

San Miniato, renowned for its quality food and wine, is the birthplace of the Tuber Magnatum Pico (Prized White Truffle), the culinary king of many restaurants and various events, first and foremost the Mostra Mercato del Tartufo Bianco delle Colline Sanminiatesi (San Miniato Hills White Truffle Market Fair) held in November.

Vinci

The 1000 Miglia returned in the town of the Genius of the Renaissance

Nestled in the heart of Tuscany amidst vineyards and olive groves, Vinci is world-famous as the birthplace of the Genius of the Renaissance. Leonardo was born in Vinci on 15 April 1452. Here he spent the years of his childhood and youth and laid the foundations of his future work as an artist, scientist and engineer. In the heart of Vinci, the Museo Leonardiano represents the oldest collection of models entirely dedicated to Leonardo the technologist, scientist, engineer and, more generally, to the history of Renaissance technique. The Museum is housed inside the Palazzina Uzielli (first exhibition section) and the Castello dei Conti Guidi (second exhibition section), both located in the historic centre and 50 metres apart. The visit ends on the Castle’s panoramic terrace, from which there is a splendid view. Several monuments recall some of his famous works such as Leonardo’s Horse, by the sculptor Nina Akamu, the colossal statue dedicated to Francesco Sforza and never completed, Mario Ceroli‘s wooden sculpture L’uomo di Vinci inspired by Vitruvius’ famous reproduction of the man, or the sculptures in Piazza de’ Guidi by Mimmo Paladino, with their striking geometric shapes and the peculiar starry polyhedron. Within the perimeter of the ancient castle walls, the Church of Santa Croce preserves the ancient baptismal font where it is believed Leonardo was baptised.

Reggio Emilia

The 1000 Miglia returned to Reggio Emilia

A ‘flagship city’. This is how Reggio Emilia can be defined. First of all, because it is the City of the Italian National Flag (here, on 7^th January 1797, the flag that represents Italy today was launched). But Reggio Emilia is also the symbol of quality of life, in every aspect: it offers so much in the way of art (starting with the 17^th century Basilica della Ghiara and the well-known Valli Municipal Theatre) and culture (the European Photography Festival is held here every year, as well as events and concerts at the Campovolo Arena).

It impresses with the spectacular ‘Sails’ (the bridges over the motorway) and the ‘Waves’ (which characterise the Mediopadana railway station), majestic gateways to the city designed by architect Santiago Calatrava; then it conquers you with that special atmosphere that you can feel when you experience the streets and squares in the city centre, the 19^th century public gardens and the vast network of parks and greenery.

Reggio is an unmissable stop for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of cuisine, just as it is one of the driving forces of regional industry, making it one of the ‘capitals’ of Motor Valley; yes, because Reggio Emilia is, viscerally, a land of cars.

Last but not least, Reggio has always been a proud flagship of the 1000 Miglia: the Red Arrow has been passing through here since the early days (how can we forget Nuvolari’s emotional withdrawal from the race) and did so again this year, as it passed through Reggio Emilia on 15^th June.

Parma

The 1000 Miglia in the Ducal town again

On 15th June the third leg of the 1000 Miglia 2023 ended in Parma, a town-friend of the Race that every time welcomes the crews with great enthusiasm. This year the competing cars arrived in Piazza Garibaldi for a Time Control.