Le Duc on the Road XXVI - Maranello - 'There are two religions in Italy: Catholicism, and Ferrari!'

The second part of this trip was centred upon Italy's real passion: Football (world cup notwithstanding)? the Romans? Good food? An obsession with bad actors doing dodgy accents? - Noooo - I refer of course, to Ferrari.

A massive F1 exhibit, with the history of the best (and worst) of times, and all of the awards won throughout the decades. Truly outstanding!

 There are two museums - one with a theme (music personalities who have owned Ferraris), and one attached to the factory, with a deep historical perspective, and then a factory tour (though you aren't allowed to take pictures during the tower - I can assure you however, that the factory and test track are phenomenal). Also, it was 100 degrees Fahrenheit (30 deg Cent.) heat, with no wind and thankfully, cold beer...

The 'Prancing Horse' statue in Maranello - emblematic of the Ferarri symbol, which has an origin story all its own.

The theme museum with lots of musicians' cars as a theme this week

 

A rapper owned this (uhhh don't ask me who). Kate Bush's car hadn't arrived yet

A model from the swinging 60s

Michael Schmacher's seminal car from the 90s seasons

The Ferrari "Prancing Horse" (Cavallino Rampante) was originally the personal emblem of Italian World War I fighter ace Francesco Baracca. 

After his death, his mother presented the crest to Enzo Ferrari in 1923, suggesting that it would bring him good luck. It certainly did...

Outside the factory museum, an F1 car is trapped in steel tubing, trying to get out ...note this pic for later, when the storm hits...

One of the original 1940s models - very nice

50s racing model which won everything!

The most recent 'Le Mans' racing car - superb!

The entrance to the factory - after this point, there are no pics allowed (despite me spotting a couple of lads breaking the rules :O - clearly Merc employees). The company employs 6,000 people, and seems superbly organised - especially so for a company which essentially makes 'one-offs' - THOROUGHLY enjoyable, and highly recommended.

Remember the F1 vehicle in the pipes...this is what it looked like when the storm hit - yikes!

To end with, jazz musician Miles Davis's car - beautiful.

Now, in the obvious and endless and well-known (!) Tolkien vs Ferrari debate between the 'Prancing Horse' and the 'Prancing Pony', I think the winner is obvious... 

The Prancing Pony...

The Prancing Horse...

The answer Luigi, is obvious...

Le Duc on the Road XXV - Bologna, Prelude to Ferrari...

 Now, who am I to pass up free tickets to the Ferarri museum and factory (La Duchesse Royale, or #1 daughter...works with some influential people it seems).

Medieval towers, one with a dodgy foundation

 Founded by the Etruscans (though built upon an older settlement), and bombed as a German supply depot during the war, Bologne also has distinctive towers from the medieval period. As a prelude to Ferrari museums which would follow the next day, it also has, quite remarkably amazing 'food', which defies description! (sooo good).

 

The boys used to love a night out in Bologna in the 12th century

The main Piazza

The statue of Neptune in the town square...uhhh, from behind.

Superb architecture, populated with shops which actually fit in well with the 'aesthetic'.

Opened in 2001 next to Piazza Maggiore square, the Salla Borsa Library and Palazzo d'Accursio, the historic seat of the city’s government, in one of renaissance buildings.

Superbly evocative architecture - very clean with zero f**kwits

The two medieval towers that remain

So the church was for sale...turning into a pub seemed like a good idea?!?

The architect would be proud...

In the next episode, there may be cars...

Le Duc on the Road XXIV - Les Invalides

L' Hôtel des Invalides was commissioned in 1670 by Louis XIV in order to provide accommodation and hospital care for wounded soldiers. In 1815, after Napoleon’s abdication, over 5,000 survivors of the Grande Armee were listed there. Napoleon inspected the place and visited his men in 1808, 1813 and 1815.

The chapel was built at the end of the 17th century by Jules-Hardouin Mansart and contains the tombs of Marshals of France (Including Vauban et al) and that of Napoleon himself. 

This formed the second 'major' tour during the trip to Paris avec ma fille during the aforementioned Operation Rat-on-a-Stick...

Now France is very proud of its military history; there were so many authentic uniforms and pieces of equipment on display here, that the overall effect was absolutely stunning. Unlike in the UK, where there are apparent (but usually quasi-political and thereby faux) concerns over military history or Empire, the French are proud of their history, no matter how black or white or with shades of grey, no matter how good or bad - it is history, and they recognise it as such.

This museum and chapel is absolutely stunning and a must see if you have even a passing interest in French or European history; the displays are superb, the quality unbeatable, and the staff very helpful . Highly recommended.

Some fantastic (and authentic) WW1 & WW2 uniforms and equipment on display. France does not muck about with worrying about this sort of thing. Superb displays.

Turret of a Panzer II amongst other equipment.

Business end of a V2

Moving into the '17th-19th Century' building (which we almost missed due to renovation :O ), excellent stories and display surrounding the Army of the Sun King

18th Century American expedition

Muskets...sooo many muskets

Turenne and his armour are displayed

...with maps of his last campaign

A certain Irish regiment - 'pre' Wild Geese era

You quickly realise that the Napoleonic uniforms, are, for the most part, NOT reconstructions or replicas - but actual uniforms from the period, well preserved

Sooo many sabres and blades

Again, the quality of the paintings and the ability to get close and see the brushstrokes - stunning...as Davout looks on

...almost every French Eagle is on display, with regimental histories

Well preserved Revolutionary wars uniforms too

'Are you the Guard???!!!"

Some original pieces in poorer state of repair, including Napoleon's bicorne, have survived

I have so many pics from Les Invalides, that there may be other blog posts including them...

Later that day, the view from Montmartres Cathedral

...and the steps that Mr. Wick gets chucked down repeatedly in 'John Wick 4'

A superb trip. I'd recommend Paris to all...