QUIZ ANSWER: Passo del Turchino, famous for MilanSan Remo, elevation 532 meters.
Join us on a journey along the A26 Autostrada dei Trafori, a vital artery weaving through the rugged heart of the Ligurian Apennines, precisely at these coordinates: 44.364805555555556, 8.582888888888888. This isn't just a stretch of asphalt; it's a testament to human ingenuity, a silent witness to history, and a gateway connecting Italy's vibrant coast with its industrial north.
Our focus point lies near the historic Passo del Turchino, a name that echoes through centuries of travel, trade, and even conflict. Perched high above the Stura Valley, this segment of the A26 showcases breathtaking engineering: soaring viaducts that bridge deep ravines and tunnels like the renowned Galleria del Turchino, piercing through solid rock. The very name "Autostrada dei Trafori" – Motorway of Tunnels – perfectly captures the monumental effort required to carve this path through challenging mountain terrain. This region, part of the Province of Genoa in Liguria, embodies the dramatic transition from the azure Mediterranean coast to the verdant, rolling hills of the Po Valley, a geographical crossroads that has shaped its destiny.
The Turchino Pass holds a special place in the annals of sports history. It’s an iconic climb in the legendary Milan-San Remo cycling race, one of the five 'Monuments' of professional road cycling. For over a century, cyclists have pedaled its challenging slopes, enduring the often-unpredictable weather conditions—from crisp spring sunshine to sudden downpours or even snow—as they transition from the plains of Lombardy to the Ligurian Riviera. Crossing the Turchino, often the highest point of the race, signifies the true start of the coastal journey towards San Remo, a moment of both physical exertion and symbolic importance for riders and fans alike. Its inclusion in such a prestigious event elevates this stretch of road from mere infrastructure to a living piece of sporting heritage.
Yet, the history etched into these mountains isn't solely of athletic triumph. The Passo del Turchino carries a somber and profound memory from World War II. On April 19, 1944, this pass became the site of the horrific Turchino Massacre (Strage del Turchino). In a brutal act of reprisal, 59 Italian partisans were executed by Nazi forces, their lives cruelly extinguished amidst the beauty of these mountains. Today, a memorial stands as a solemn reminder of this tragic event, ensuring that the sacrifices made for freedom and justice are never forgotten. Driving through this area, one can't help but feel the weight of this history, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict woven into the fabric of the landscape.
The construction of the A26, particularly this section which opened in the 1970s, was a monumental feat of post-war Italian engineering and economic recovery. It symbolized the nation's drive for modernization, connecting industrial hubs with ports and tourist destinations. The complex network of bridges and tunnels are not just functional elements; they are architectural marvels that blend into the rugged environment, a testament to overcoming natural barriers.
So, as you traverse this highway, whether virtually with us or in person, remember you’re not just moving from point A to B. You are crossing a historical threshold, experiencing an engineering marvel, and connecting with the deep, layered stories of Liguria. From ancient trade routes to cycling legends, from wartime tragedy to modern infrastructure, this road is a living chronicle of Italy.
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