Solferino

September 16, 2023

Today was our first loop ride through vineyards and olive groves out in the country. It was generally heralded as our favorite ride so far, for this week of riding. We rode along less traveled roads through farmland and up a few hills. We stopped in Solferino, a small town, to explore their plaza, tower (fortress) and a monument to the Red Cross.

We rode into the plaza in Solferino, by mistake, were glad we did, and decided to explore. After exploring the plaza we hiked up to the fortress. Then explored the Red Cross monument on the way back down.

The fortress of Solferino

“At the top of the highest hill in Solferino lies a majestic building 23 meters high dating back to 1022. This hill was contended by the Austrians and the French Army that was allied with the Piedmontese Army during the battle of June 24th 1859. Defined as “The spy of Italy” due to its strategic location, this fortress is surrounded by a vast park.” From the Solferino web site.

Monument to the Red Cross

“From the park surrounding the fortress, an avenue of cypresses branches off towards the west, called San Luigi, in honor of Gonzaga who rose to the glory of the altars, who tradition has it used to walk in that place.

At the end of this avenue, in 1959, on the occasion of the centenary of the battle, the International Red Cross erected a memorial in memory of that Idea which arose here in the heart and mind of Henry Dunant (Biography) and which would lead to the birth of the International Red Cross.” From the Solferino web site.