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Polished chrome, roaring engines, and a 600km journey through Italy’s most seductive landscapes – Terre di Canossa is not just a classic car rally; it’s a rolling tribute to motoring heritage. Winding through Emilia-Romagna’s Motor Valley, the Apennine passes, and Tuscany’s picture-perfect countryside, this prestigious event blends high-octane nostalgia with Italian flair, history, and Michelin-starred indulgence.
Named after Matilde di Canossa, the formidable 12th-century countess and ruler of vast swathes of central Italy, the race follows historic roads once patrolled by medieval armies and Roman legions. It kicks off in Emilia-Romagna – the beating heart of Italy’s automotive world – home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, Pagani, Dallara, and Energica.
From here, drivers cruise through Modena, Reggio Emilia, Parma, and Piacenza, before tackling the Apennine mountain passes. Tuscany welcomes competitors with its rolling vineyards and Renaissance towns, including Pisa and Lucca, before reaching the sun-drenched coastline of Versilia and the elite seaside retreat of Forte dei Marmi.
This 600km cavalcade of classic cars is an immersion in the soul of Italian motoring, where the journey is as captivating as the destination.
Terre di Canossa isn’t just about the drive – it’s an elegant, high-society affair. Expect a whirlwind of exclusive pit stops: Michelin-starred dining in Italy’s top culinary hubs, gala evenings filled with fine wine and storytelling, lunches at swish beach clubs on the Ligurian and Tuscan coasts and chic award ceremonies where vintage beauty meets modern prestige.
With a small, exclusive number of entrants, the rally maintains an intimate, bespoke feel – part motoring pilgrimage, part luxury road trip.
For those keen to take the wheel, entries are strictly reserved for classic cars built between 1919 and 1976. The event is competitive but also a celebration of craftsmanship, with vehicles judged on precision, endurance, and sheer driving elegance. For a true taste of Emilia-Romagna’s design and hospitality scene, a stylish pit stop is a must, such as the legendary wine hotspot Roncolo 1888. Our boutique hotel in the region offers the perfect blend of heritage and contemporary flair, making it an ideal base for pre- or post-race indulgence.
Few motoring experiences capture the romance, nostalgia, and sheer beauty of the open road quite like Terre di Canossa. Whether you’re a seasoned classic car aficionado or simply in love with the art of travel, this is Italy at its most evocative – where timeless engineering meets la dolce vita.
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