he Casa-Museo Francesco Baracca di Lugo is a significant historical museum dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Francesco Baracca, one of Italy’s greatest aviators. Located in his family home in Lugo, the museum offers an in-depth look at his personal life, military career, and lasting legacy, particularly his emblem, the prancing horse, which later became synonymous with the Ferrari brand. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in aviation history, military heroes, and Italy’s contribution to early 20th-century air combat.
Casa-Museo Francesco Baracca di Lugo
Via F. Baracca, 65
48022 Lugo RA
museobaracca@comune.lugo.ra.it
+39 0545 38556
Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 12:00, 16:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays, 1st of January, 15th of May, the second and the third week of August and from the 25th until the 31st of December
Admission fee
Aircraft collection
| MM6444/8-03
S2489 | Fiat G91Y
SPAD VII |
Key Information about the Casa-Museo Francesco Baracca:
1. Location:
The museum is housed in Francesco Baracca’s family home in Lugo, where he was born on May 9, 1888. The town is situated in the Emilia-Romagna region, which is not far from major cities like Ravenna and Bologna, making it a significant historical site for those interested in aviation history.
2. About Francesco Baracca:
Francesco Baracca was an Italian aviator and a fighter pilot during World War I. He became the most famous and successful Italian pilot of the war, credited with 34 aerial victories. Baracca’s emblem, the cavalino rampante (prancing horse), became iconic, later adopted as the symbol for the Ferrari car brand.
3. Exhibits and Collections:
The Casa-Museo Francesco Baracca is dedicated to preserving the memory of Baracca and his aviation career. Key exhibits in the museum include:
- Personal Items of Francesco Baracca: The museum displays items related to Baracca’s early life and military career, such as his uniforms, medals, and personal belongings.
- Aviation Memorabilia: There are numerous artifacts related to Baracca’s time as a pilot, including flight equipment, photographs, and letters he wrote.
- Aircraft Models: The museum showcases models of the aircraft Baracca flew, particularly the Savoia S.13 and the SPAD XIII fighter plane, in which he achieved many of his victories.
- The Prancing Horse Symbol: Baracca’s iconic emblem, the cavalino rampante, is a focal point of the museum and is displayed throughout, alongside historical context about its adoption by Ferrari.
- Historical Documents and Letters: The museum contains documents and personal letters from Baracca, offering insights into his thoughts and experiences during the war.
- Memorials to His Legacy: The museum also includes memorials dedicated to Baracca’s bravery and his significant contributions to Italy’s military history.
4. Francesco Baracca’s Legacy:
- World War I Heroism: Francesco Baracca became a national hero for his courage and skill in the skies during World War I. He is regarded as a symbol of the Italian Air Force and is celebrated for his dedication to Italy’s war effort.
- The Prancing Horse and Ferrari: Baracca’s emblem, the prancing horse, was later famously adopted by the Ferrari car company. It was given to Enzo Ferrari by Baracca’s mother as a symbol of good luck in 1923, and it remains the iconic logo for Ferrari today.
- Death and Commemoration: Baracca was killed in 1918 at the age of 30, but his legacy as Italy’s greatest aviator continues to inspire generations. The museum serves as a tribute to his life and accomplishments.
This Museum of the Italian Ace Francesco Baracca, contains the SPAD VII 2489 fighter, an original WWI veteran that was restored between 1991 and 1993 by the Turin association GAVS (Gruppo Amici Velivoli Storici, the Italian aviation heritage association) The Museum has in its collections several rare parts and instruments of Austrian and German planes shot down by the ace and relics which belonged to him, such as uniforms, medals, his cello and his watch, which still shows the time of his death.