Mille Miglia
Italy
The Thousand Miles, from Brescia south to Rome and back, run as a flat-out road race between 1927 and 1957 attracting 5 million spectators. Stirling Moss won in 1955 in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR at an average of just under 100mph, his co-driver reading instructions from an 18ft roll of paper. Today it survives as an annual rally for pre-1957 cars.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Brescia
Start and finish of the Mille Miglia since 1927. The Museo Mille Miglia holds 200 race cars including Moss and Jenkinson's actual 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR.
- Cremona
The violin-making capital of the world. Stradivari, Guarneri, and Amati all worked here; the Museo del Violino holds seven Stradivarius instruments in a climate vault.
- Mantua
A Renaissance city surrounded by lakes formed by the Mincio river. The Palazzo Ducale's Camera degli Sposi contains Mantegna's extraordinary painted illusionistic ceiling.
- Bologna
La Grassa, Italy's gastronomic capital: the birthplace of ragu, fresh tortellini, and mortadella. The UNESCO-listed porticoed streets stretch for 38 km through the city.
- Florence
Tuscany's capital and the Mille Miglia's most spectacular stage town. Race cars thundered past the Duomo and across the Arno bridges in front of crowds ten deep.
- Rome
The southernmost turning point of the race. The circuit looped through central Rome past the Colosseum before the field turned north for the long run back to Brescia.
- Brescia
The finish ramp on Viale Venezia where the pre-war cars return each May. The atmosphere when the field completes the thousand miles is unlike any other event in Europe.
Where to Eat
- Osteria FrancescanaItalian
A three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Modena, renowned for its innovative Italian cuisine crafted by Chef Massimo Bottura.
- Trattoria MarioTuscan
A beloved Florence eatery offering traditional Tuscan dishes in a lively, rustic setting since 1953.
- RoscioliItalian
A gourmet deli and restaurant in Rome, famed for its artisanal cured meats, cheeses, and classic Roman pasta dishes.
- Antica Trattoria della PesaLombard
Historic Milanese restaurant serving traditional Lombard cuisine in an elegant, old-world atmosphere.
- La PergolaMediterranean
Rome's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering panoramic city views and exquisite Mediterranean dishes.
Things to Do
- Galleria degli UffiziMuseum
One of the world's most famous art museums, housing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
- ColosseumHistoric Site
Ancient Roman amphitheater in Rome, known for its massive structure and historical gladiatorial contests.
- Leaning Tower of PisaLandmark
Iconic freestanding bell tower in Pisa, famous for its unintended tilt and Romanesque architecture.
- Piazza del CampoHistoric Site
Medieval square in Siena, renowned for its unique shell shape and the annual Palio horse race.
- Ducati MuseumMuseum
Exhibits the history of Ducati motorcycles, showcasing vintage models and racing memorabilia in Bologna.