In Ponte a Ema, just outside Florence, the Museo del Ciclismo Gino Bartali traces the career of the Italian cycling champion and the sport’s wider history. Its collection includes Bartali’s jerseys, cups, photographs, period newspapers and final racing bicycle, alongside objects connected to Fausto Coppi and other champions. The exhibits also tell how Bartali used cycling journeys during the Second World War to carry messages that helped save Jewish people. It’s a focused stop for cycling fans, with plenty to explore beyond one rider’s career.
Bartali’s racing career
The museum presents Gino Bartali’s career through objects from his years as a professional cyclist. His jerseys, cups, photographs and old newspapers give the collection a personal focus, while bicycles from different periods connect his story to the sport’s broader history. His last racing bicycle is among the items on display.
Bartali’s record included two Tour de France wins and three Giro d’Italia wins. The collection also reaches beyond his own career: exhibits include memorabilia connected to Fausto Coppi and champions from other generations.
A wartime story
The museum also covers Bartali’s actions during the Second World War. He carried messages hidden in his bicycle while out on training rides, helping efforts to save Jewish people. Bartali was later recognised as Righteous Among the Nations for this work.
This part of the collection adds a historical dimension to a visit centred on cycling. It places his sporting life alongside a story of courage under wartime conditions.
Perguntas frequentes
Is admission to the Museo del Ciclismo Gino Bartali free?
Yes, admission is free. Advance tickets are recommended.
Where is the Museo del Ciclismo Gino Bartali?
It is in Ponte a Ema, just outside Florence, at Via Chiantigiana 177.
What can you see at the museum?
The collection includes Bartali’s jerseys, cups, photographs, old newspapers and last racing bicycle, as well as memorabilia connected to other cycling champions.
What is the museum’s connection to the Second World War?
It tells how Bartali carried messages hidden in his bicycle during training rides to help save Jewish people. He was recognised as Righteous Among the Nations.
