Varano de' Melegari

Varano de' Melegari was part of the Rete Internazionale Città dei Motori (International Motor Cities Network) for two reasons, which date back to 1972. The first is the "Riccardo Paletti" Racetrack, started in 1969 and inaugurated three years later, still active in the racing industry and famous for having hosted several charity competitions. The second, but no less important, is the Dallara Automobili company, founded by Gian Paolo Dallara after the successful experience in Lamborghini. Today, Dallara collaborates with prestigious brands such as Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo, Bugatti, Audi, Honda, and has a brand new office in Indianapolis. These two parties have determined the racing vocation of Varano, encouraging the creation of companies specialised in the provision of services and components related to the world of motorsports.

Varano Castle
Built as a defensive position, Varano castle is mentioned for the first time in the “Cronaca Pallavicina” (Pallavicina Chronicle) of 1087 as heritage inherited from Uberto Pallavicino. Its strategic position allowed it to dominate the river and the streets that a long time ago led to Via Emilia, Liguria and Tuscany. The building has undergone many changes over the centuries: much of its present form derives from the mark left by the Visconti family during their rule.

The agricultural Fair of Valceno
Every year, on the days around May 1st, the agricultural fair of Valceno animates the streets of Varano de' Melegari. The goal is the same: the return to the essential and the valorisation of the land. Thus, workshops have been organised that teach the techniques to cultivate a vegetable garden to develop the dexterity required for basket-weaving, to store vegetables and carve wood. The Fair also includes meetings, conferences and exhibitions about rural life and forgotten farming equipment, as well as demonstrations of old crafts such as hand-made ropes. And that's not all: completing the framework are the initiatives for the enhancement of farm animals and pets, modern agricultural crafts and folklore, all seasoned with dancing, live music and quality dining spaces.

The Asi Moto Show
Every year in May, the Varano Racetrack hosts the ASI Moto Show, an event dedicated to the two wheels of the past. All vehicles registered by 1994 are allowed to participate and the culmination of the event is the usual Parade of Champions, with historical drivers who return on the track aboard their motorcycles.

Pallavicino castle in Varano de' Melegari.

Varano de Melegari castello Pallavicino

The wind tunnel in Dallara's factory.

Varano de Melegari galleria del vento

Motorbike old glories at ASI Motor Show

Varano de Melegari allineamento partenza

Vintage tractor at Varano de' Melegari Country Fair.

Varano de Melegari fiera agricola

Personaggi legati a Varano de' Melegari

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