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The 2012 Challenge, Landscapes
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600 km across the ancient streets of Canossa, between the Po and the seaside
Reggio Emilia, City of the Tricolore (the Italian flag).
Founded by the Roman consul Marco Emilio Lepido, Reggio Emilia is the place where the first Italian flag was born, in 1797. Today it’s one of the most industrialized provinces in Italy, and is also a “capital” of pedagogy, thanks to its nursery schools that are considered the best in the world.
The hills of Cavazzone
From these hills, which are the first mountainside of the Apennines, you can see the wide Pianura Padana, up to the Alps. In the Cavazzone lived baron Alberto Franchetti, expert pilot and musician, to whom Scuderia Tricolore dedicates the Elegance Competition every year.
The castles of Matilde di Canossa.
The imposing defence structures the teams will encounter as they cross the Apennines, allowed Matilde di Canossa to counter the frequent attacks of Emperor Henry the 4th, and became a symbol of her authority when she became queen of Italy.
Carpineti castle.
From its 805 meters above sea level, the castle of Carpineti dominates the valleys of Tresinaro and Secchia. During the Matildic period, it was further fortified and became the favourite residence of the Countess. The street that leads to the castle is one of the most famous trials in the rallies’ history. That street will be closed to the traffic, so that the participants can fully enjoy the five time trial groups.
The Pietra di Bismantova and Castelnuovo Monti.
Rising from Castelnovo Monti we reach the Pietra di Bismantova, the residue of a more extensive bank of sandstone, mentioned by Dante Alighieri in his “Divina Commedia”. Under the cliff walls of this sacred and magic mountain the teams will enjoy their first lunch.
Lagastrello Pass.
The Lagastrello Pass was the ancient road linking the Emilian plane and Tuscany. Here the participants will find a landscape which is very similar to the Alps, with hairpin bends that will remind them the famous roads of the Stelvio.
The OTO Melara.
This is one of the most advanced Italian industries in the defense market. During this visit, the participants will see some of the most important armaments produced during the period of the Second World War.
Porto Lotti and the Gulf of Poets.
On the docks of Lotti harbor the teams will face an unique time trial group, by the sea of the Gulf of Poets.
Forte dei Marmi: the heart of Versilia.
Forte dei Marmi is one of the most famous and exclusive seaside resorts in the world. The heart of Versilia will host the participants with an unforgettable beach party.
The Apuan Alps.
The Apuan Alps, known since the Roman Empire for their bone-white marble, are the wonderful background of Forte dei Marmi and the whole Versilia.
The Cinque Terre: a Unesco World’s Heritage Site.
The Cinque Terre is famous all over the world for its five ancients villages clinging to the cliffs by the sea. Its vineyards produces fine wines like the Sciacchetrà.
Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore is the first of the five villages of the Cinque Terre. It’s famous for the typical houses of its main street that leads to the small harbor. In Riomaggiore starts the evocative Via dell’Amore (love path).
The Cento Croci (Hundred Crosses) hill.
From its 1055 meters above sea level, this pass is part of the ancient Via Francigena. It connects the Vara Valley and the Taro Valley, with a mountain streets that crosses a wonderful landscape.
Borgotaro
Borgotaro is a lively and warm town in the middle of the Parmense Apennines. The delicious Porcino mushroom DOP that grows in this area will be the main ingredient of the lunch.
The Bardi fortress
This majestic fortress that rises from an outcrop of red jasper is the second largest fortress in Europe. From this extraordinary bastion, perfectly preserved, the participants will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of the whole valley.
Parma: Ducal city
Parma is one of the most beautiful cities of art in Italy. Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral with the Baptistery, the massive Palazzo della Pilotta, the Ducal Palace and the Teatro Regio, cradle of musical drama. Thanks to its gastronomic tradition and its important food factories, Parma is also the headquarter of the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
Colorno and the splendid palace of Maria Luigia
Maria Luigia of Austria is surely the historical character that the Parmesans know and love most.
The Duchess herself chose this palace in Colorno as summer residence.
The "Great River".
The Po is the greatest Italian river that crosses and feed the whole Padana Plane. From its source on the Monviso, the Po collects the water of the main rivers of North Italy and carries it in the Adriatic Sea, on the border between Veneto and Emilia Romagna regions.
Calatrava bridges
Designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, they are the modern door of Reggio Emilia. The North Bridge will host the last three time trials of the rally.
The Tricolore Hall and the awards ceremony
In this hall the representatives of the Free Towns of Reggio, Modena, Bologna and Ferrara met on the 7th of January 1797 to proclaim the Cispadanic Republic. They adopted the three coloured flag (green, white, red) that became the Italian National Flag in 1848. The Tricolore Hall will be the location of the Prize giving Ceremony.
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