Terre di Canossa Rally in Lucca

     The Terre di Canossa classic car rally came through Lucca on our last Saturday in Italy.  In the 12th century, this area of Italy was known as Canossa, ruled by Queen Matilde.  A system of  castles and roads protected the feudal state of Canossa, and this annual classic car rally honors the history of this ancient land.... 

     After a couple days of light rain, that Saturday dawned sunny and bright.  We walked over to the old town center to stake out a good viewing spot in a piazza where we knew we could see the cars....

     Led by local police on motorcycles, the first cars came through....

     The cars exited the piazza by turning right onto a narrow, otherwise pedestrian-only street....

     The rally cars slowly made their way through the pedestrian foot traffic.  Most people, simply out for a Saturday morning stroll or shopping, had no idea what was going on....

     The cars wound their way through the narrow streets of Lucca, eventually stopping at their check point at Piazza Napoleone, where they were greeted with the rhythmic sounds of a local marching band.  In the controlled chaos, bystanders could wander among the cars and talk with the drivers....

     After checking in, the cars departed the piazza through a cordon of beating drums.  Before exiting Lucca, the cars did a partial lap of the ancient city walls....

Who has the right of way...?

     It was a wonderful event, especially for those of us who like this sort of thing, and honestly, what's not to like?

    Click on any photo to enlarge....