Profession Test Driver, how to become a car test driver
Doing the Test Driver, that is to test cars (sports and not), is the dream of many motor enthusiasts. An original and stimulating profession, central to the activity of the large car teams but which is becoming increasingly popular also in dealerships and garages. But how do you become a test driver? What training path do you need to follow to work as a car test driver? In the world of motors, many professional figures operate, dealing with very different fields, from mechanics to planners, from designers to developers of digital technologies designed for the automotive industry. In this great universe of "two and four-wheeled" jobs, the test driver stands out, who has the honor and the burden of testing cars and motorcycles before they are entrusted to champions (in the case of racing sports cars ) or put on the market. A delicate and often hidden role, which however plays a central role. A profession that deserves to be better known. Above all, a profession that all those who love engines dream of doing.
What the Test Driver does and where it works
Beyond the fascination it has for car enthusiasts, however, that of test driver is an absolutely serious profession and full of important responsibilities . Indeed, it is up to him to be the first to review a new vehicle and his opinion is essential to indicate what is wrong and what needs to be improved before putting the car on the road or on the track. He is therefore required to have a considerable amount of knowledge and skills which, as will be seen shortly, require a specific training course to be acquired. In detail, the specific tasks assigned to the test driver are:
- Check the performance of cars and motorcycles in different driving conditions;
- Test the driveability of the car;
- Identify malfunctions;
- Collaborate with the design team to make improvements;
- Evaluate new track systems.
The set of assessments carried out during the testing activities is condensed into a report which constitutes the reference document for the test driver's work. Given the broad spectrum of skills required, the role of test driver can be found in various work contexts , such as car manufacturers, sports teams, car dealerships, and garages.
The training path to become a Test Driver
Although test driving work, as seen, requires very specific and high-level skills and knowledge, there is no formal course of study and training that regulates access to this profession . Those who want to work as a test driver, therefore, must build their own training process by themselves, bearing in mind that it is a job with few places available . In addition, many car manufacturers prefer to entrust the testing of their new vehicles to former drivers who are no longer in business. Many test drivers, therefore, have behind them a career as agonists in the world of motors, which is their professional "calling card". Does this mean that if you don't come from that world it's better to give up? Absolutely not. However, it is necessary to make prudent training choices . A good solution, for example, is to acquire a degree in mechanical engineering , the closest to the type of business you will be doing. Furthermore, once you have completed university, you can refine your motoring knowledge by attending one of the masters or professional courses offered by academies in the sector .
Find out how to become a car driver
Engines to read: 6 books for car and driving enthusiasts
There are really many books for car enthusiasts and they represent an original gift idea. From biographical volumes that tell the deeds of the great racing car drivers to novels that put four wheels to one hundred and fifty. Some, however, are truly unmissable and deserve to be present in the library of those who love engines. The passion for cars and engines is something that affects all aspects of life. It ends, for example, also in the readings . Those who love engines, in fact, also find pleasure in reading books that tell the thundering world of four wheels . Not surprisingly, the list of books for car enthusiasts gets longer every year. A full-bodied catalog, made up of biographies of famous drivers, of historical reconstructions of the most prestigious brands, but also of novels that put cars at the center, with all their wealth of emotions and suggestions. Many titles for as many gift ideas. The following list does not pretend to incontrovertibly identify the best novels for car lovers, but it offers a list of five truly special texts, which deserve to enter the home library of those who dream of a life as a driver.
Here are more gift ideas for car enthusiasts
On the road - Jack Kerouac
Let's start with a timeless classic of American literature , as well as a milestone among twentieth-century novels. In 1951, by publishing "On the road" (original title: "On the road"), Jack Kerouac gave life to the symbolic book of the Beat Generation . Thus it was that an autobiographical tale turned into the manifesto of an entire youth movement. The novel tells the travels of Sal Paradise , the alter ego of the same author, who crosses the United States far and wide, aboard his car, sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of his friend Dean Moriarty (who in the reality is Neal Cassady, also a writer). Page after page, you never tire of savoring the adrenaline and freedom of a true “on the road” trip .
Christine and Buick 8 - Stephen King
We remain in the United States, but completely changing genre. It is the turn of two titles signed by the king of horror, Stephen King . These are " Christine - The infernal machine" and "Buick 8" . In the first novel, which has also become a film, the protagonist is a 1958 Plymouth Fury , capable of transforming itself from a harmless car abandoned on the side of the road into a bearer of profound upheavals. The car, in fact, has a cynical and ruthless soul, which changes the personality of those who come into contact with it. And this is how Christine leaves behind a trail of death and despair. Equally mysterious is the profile of the car featured in the second novel: a 1954 Buick Roadmaster . Again, the car takes on a life of its own and turns Ned's life upside down, for no apparent reason.
Bottom stroke. Mille Miglia, a life and a cat - Giorgio Terruzzi
The third proposal, on the other hand, is an entirely Italian work, both in its signature, which is that of the famous sports journalist Giorgio Terruzzi, and in its story, which retraces the deeds of the mythological Alberto Ascari (to whose memory a variant of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit is dedicated). The narrative starts with the surprise victory of the Mille Miglia in 1954 , and then unfolds throughout the driver's life, also analyzing private aspects. An exciting journey at full speed.
Read also: What to give to a Formula 1 enthusiast
Virtual Senna - Roberto Boccafogli
From one myth to another. “ Virtual Senna” is a novel that intends to celebrate the unforgettable Brazilian driver, who tragically died in 1994, on the Imola circuit. And it is precisely from that painful Grand Prix that the plot conceived by Roberto Boccafogli begins, who decides to play with history and changes the course of events. Senna, in fact, does not die during the race but arrives at the end and wins it, also mortgaging the conquest of the Automobile World Championship. At that point, the story then takes a leap forward, up to the 2000s, and the reader comes to terms with a Formula 1 in public crisis. To revive the fortunes of the competition, the organizers invent virtual Grand Prix , in which Senna also participates. This parallel and unreal reality, however, gives rise to the desire to satisfy an ancient curiosity: who is the strongest driver ever?
The art of running in the rain - Garth Stein
Denny , the protagonist of this latest literary proposal for car enthusiasts, is an extraordinary driver, capable of giving his best in the rain. His ambitions, however, are held back by the need to make ends meet by working in a workshop. A complicated and suffering life seems to remove him forever from his dream: to drive a real Ferrari . Luckily, next to him is his faithful dog, who is not by chance called Enzo, in honor of the patron of the Maranello team. The intelligent four-legged friend will show his owner the right path to happiness.
Learn about the history of the Monza circuit
The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
What to eat in Monza: tips for a tourism of taste
There are many typical dishes to eat in Monza, from risotto with the famous luganega sausage to cassoeula, from panmoijaa to San Gerardo bread. All expressions of the main characteristics of Brianza cuisine: flavor and simplicity. Holidays in Italy are also opportunities for food and wine tours of the typical dishes that each area jealously guards. Monza is no exception to this rule. Treating yourself to a few days in the Lombard city, therefore, also means being able to taste Brianza cuisine , made of simple ingredients and genuine flavors. Whether you choose to have lunch in a spartan trattoria or to dine in an elegant restaurant, you must keep in mind the list of Monza dishes that are worth trying at least once. Here is a short guide to discover what to eat typically in Monza .
Visit Monza with the city passport
The king of Monza's typical dishes: risotto with luganega
Let's start with the real star of the show, the typical dish of Monza par excellence: risotto with luganega (also called risotto alla monzese). He is truly the king of the city, served in practically every venue. There are several recipes for this particular risotto, each with its own small variant. The two main ingredients, however, do not change and are luganega (or luganica) sausage and saffron . The result is a dish with a clear but delicate flavor, which is always very popular with tourists. On the other hand, luganega is the quintessential symbol of Monza's cuisine , and it is truly a very tasty typical product. What differentiates it from a normal sausage is certainly the shape, thinner and elongated . What makes it so famous, however, is its composition. In addition to pork , in fact, luganega contains a high quantity of parmesan cheese and is flavored with meat broth and marsala . Additionally, in some variations, additional ingredients are also used, such as chili pepper, wild fennel or anise.
Read also: What to see in Monza
The specialties of Brianza cuisine: from cassoeula to panmoijaa
The list of typical dishes of Monza , however, certainly does not end with risotto alla luganega. There are many other specialties of Brianza cuisine that deserve to be tasted. This is the case of cassoeula , a typically winter dish because it is very substantial. The basis of the recipe, in fact, is made up of cabbage and the less noble parts of the pig , such as the rind, snout, legs, head and ribs. It is also usually served with polenta . The name cassoeula derives from the large pot in which the ingredients are boiled, while its origins, which are lost between history and legend, would be Spanish. Pork is also at the center of another typical dish of the Brianza peasant tradition, namely the rusticiada . It is a pork stew , flavored with a fried lard and onions . Again, the stew is usually served together with polenta . Finally, for meat lovers (and derivatives), Monza offers two other possibilities: ossobuco and tripe . For those who love soups, on the other hand, both the panmoijaa and the Brianza minestrone are unmissable. The first is a tasty soup with minced bacon and bacon , in which onion, garlic and parsley are also used. It is eaten accompanied by a characteristic yellow bread , made with a mix of white flour, corn flour and rye. The Brianza minestrone, on the other hand, is very rich, because it contains, as main ingredients, rice , lard , cabbage , beans and potatoes .
Read also: What to do in Monza
The typical sweets of Monza
An article about what to eat in Monza, however, cannot limit itself to listing the savoury dishes. There are also some typical sweets that deserve to be tasted by those who pass by in Brianza. In particular, it is the country cake and the bread and biscuits of San Gerardo . The country cake, right from its name, is a dessert that tells a lot about Monza's traditions and its peasant substratum. This dessert, in fact, also known as michelasc cake , has stale bread as its basic ingredient, which is soaked in milk . This basic dough is then flavored in various ways; the most common variant is the one that uses chocolate , but pine nuts, candied fruit and raisins can also be added. The bread of San Gerardo , on the other hand, takes its name from the co-patron of Monza, San Gerardo dei Tintori. It is a sweet bread made with sugar, honey, fruit, sultanas, candied almonds and chestnuts . On the contrary, the dough for the biscuits of the same name is much simpler, because they are dry sweets made without eggs.
Discover the exclusive tours of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza
The original contents of this article are produced by an external service without any involvement of the press office of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Over 650 historic and youngtimer cars confirm the success of the ACI Storico Festival 2022 in Monza
Great success for the second edition of the ACI Storico Festival , which today was staged at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza , where over 650 historic and youngtimer cars ran.
The event that bears the signature of the ACI Storico Club boasted the precious collaboration of the Automobile Club Milano , of the Italian Alfa Romeo Registry and of the Scuderia del Portello .
Over 360 Alfa Romeo cars on the track, with prominent models such as the 1971 Alfa Romeo 33TT3, the 1983 Alfa Romeo F1 183T and the 1967 Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/2 Flòn, belonging to the Alfa Romeo Dinamico Museum. racing history of the Scuderia del Portello. Equally important is the parterre of guests present, such as Andrea de Adamich , Carlo Facetti , Giorgio Francia and Gianni Giudici , who shared the glorious feats of the past with the participants, but also with an eye to the future, given the world premiere of the Tonale, with Alfa Romeo's CEO on board Jean-Philippe Learned . The presence of the Alfa Romeo brand strengthened by the RIAR, which aroused the interest of the public thanks to important cars such as a 1964 Giulia TZ and a 1965 Giulia Sprint GTA 1600 official Autodelta winner of various titles in Italy and abroad.
Numerous clubs and members affiliated with the ACI Storico Club flocked to the track, including the Milan Historic Cars Club & Youngtimer Club Milan, il Mercedes-Benz 190 SL Club Italia and the Club The Roaring Grannies , who participated in the various track days and parades that colored both the track in the conformation used on the occasion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the historical one where there is the fascinating banked curve of the speed ring.
The moments of sharing that entertained the public thanks to the partnership with the editorial staff of Ruoteclassiche e Youngtimer , who conducted an interesting talk "How to start collecting youngtimers", in addition to the meeting where the Youngtimer Show - Buy & Drive , which allowed guests not to simply stop and admire the cars, but to be able to start and conclude a real purchase and sale.
The day ended with the awards ceremony celebrated on the Monza podium, where the owners of fascinating cars such as: a 1968 Lotus 11, a 1994 Mercedes C36, a 1965 Mercedes 230S and the 1964 Giulia GTA ex Ignazio Giunti climbed. .
"We are particularly satisfied with this edition of the ACI Storico Festival, in which the absolute protagonists were both the members of ACI Storico and the many vintage car enthusiasts who flocked to the Monza track today - declared the President of the Automobile . Club of Italy Angelo Sticchi Damiani - An event that has just ended with record numbers, testifying to the constant growth of the ACI Storico Club, but also to the attention that historic motorsport is receiving from the general public. Special thanks go to Scuderia del Portello, RIAR and the Automobile Club Milano for the perfect success of the event, in addition to the precious collaboration with Ruoteclassiche and Youngtimer and the hospitality of the Monza National Circuit ".
JustSpeed Monza Karting opens with lounge bar and musical entertainment
The internal Parabolica area where the track is located has been completely renovated to allow groups of friends and families to spend a day of all-round fun
The kart track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza is renewed and becomes JustSpeed Monza Karting : a meeting place where you can spend a day of fun with family, friends and colleagues thanks to a new lounge bar, restaurant and the organization of musical evenings.
The semi-permanent kart track of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza reopens on Saturday 2 April, on the occasion of the ACI Storico Festival weekend, in the internal Parabolica area with a completely new look and the addition of a large area dedicated to catering and entertainment, to allow track-goers to stay for a few hours of leisure after track tests.
The JustSpeed Monza Karting is in fact designed for a wide audience: adults, teens and children aged 6 to 14 (with a minimum height of 125 cm). Six 4-stroke mini karts equipped with internal combustion engines are reserved for the little ones, while children and adults have twelve Honda-powered karts at their disposal.
The 390-meter-long track, equipped with safety barriers created with recyclable and eco-compatible materials, will remain active until 10 August. The opening days are Wednesday and Friday from 16 to 20, while Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 20. The timetable will then be extended until midnight from late spring.
The calendar of musical evenings will be published on the dedicated page of the website www.monzanet.it, where it will be possible to book track laps. On summer days, the bar and restaurant service will remain active throughout the evening to spend an unforgettable day between the adrenaline of speed and the pleasure of good food and good music.
Ten minutes of free practice for adults at JustSpeed Monza Karting cost 20 euros per person, while 6-14 year olds benefit from a reduction of 16 euros per person.
The real aces behind the wheel will be able to challenge each other in a GP, consisting of 5 free practice laps, 8 qualifying laps and 15 races, for 50 euros per person. The reduced version, a MiniGP with 5 qualifying laps and 15 races, costs 35 euros per person.
The track can also be hired by companies for team building, a playful activity that will allow the work group to get to know each other and have fun together in an informal context so as to improve the team's harmony. More information on the dedicated page of the website www.monzanet.it.
The festival of historic cars at the Monza National Circuit with ACI Storico Festival
Track day shifts, rallies, parades and award ceremonies: these are some of the activities of the day dedicated to the members of the ACI Storico Club
The ACI Storico Festival returns to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza on Sunday 3 April, after the success of the first edition organized last year. The event, dedicated to fans of historic cars, is conceived by ACI Storico in collaboration with Automobile Club Milano, the Italian Alfa Romeo Registry and the Scuderia del Portello. The members of the ACI Storico Club will have the opportunity to experience a memorable Sunday full of parades, free laps on the track, talks and awards.
The road track will be open starting at 9:30 am with nine track day sessions (25 minutes each) divided between morning and afternoon. Subscribers will be able to try their hand at the straights and curves of the Circuit with their own historic cars, even in the racing version. The paddock will become an open-air exhibition of the most beautiful models who will then be able to participate in the parades along the F1 track and the High Speed Ring.
In addition to the dynamic activities on the track, the program will also include talks and presentations in the Tazio Nuvolari Press Room. Thanks to the renewed agreement of the historic ACI Club with Youngtimer magazine, the round table entitled “How to Start Collecting Youngtimer” will be held at 3.30 pm, while from 4 pm the cars that will take part in the day will be awarded. Finally, the Alfa Romeos will take center stage at 16:30, when the cars of the famous Italian car brand will be awarded on the occasion of the Alfa Romeo Special Anniversary 2022.
The racetrack will be open to the public (in possession of a Green Pass) with paid parking. Access to the paddock will be reserved for ACI Storico Club members who have pre-registered. The JustSpeed Monza Karting will also be active, the kart track in the Alboreto curve, recently renovated with a lounge bar and restaurant. For further information on the event and for the complete program, it is possible to consult the website monzanet.it.
Driving on the track for a day? In Monza, the dream becomes reality
Living a driving experience on the track is the dream of all motorsport enthusiasts. A lap of the track aboard a Ferrari, a Porsche or a Lamborghini, in fact, means tasting the emotions of a real driver. But is it really possible to experience driving a Supercar on the track? The answer is yes, thanks to the alliance between Puresport and the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, which gave life to the Driving Experiences on the Temple of Speed track. Where can you drive a Ferrari ? In Monza. And the same answer applies to a Lamborghini or a Porsche. A dream that can be realized thanks to the Driving Experiences organized by the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in collaboration with Puresport , a leading company in the sector. Unique experiences that allow you to whiz through Tempo della Speed aboard a Formula 1, Formula 3 or Gran Turismo car . The most coveted goal for every motor enthusiast. A perfect gift to give to yourself, your partner or a friend.
Visit the official Puresport website
Driving a sports car on the track, a unique (and safe) experience
Adrenaline is undoubtedly the fundamental ingredient of a driving experience on the track , in addition to the thrill of being inside the Temple of Speed . At the same time, however, Driving Experiences are an absolutely safe activity , because they involve the assistance of highly qualified personnel with a very long experience. No special requirements are needed to drive a supercar on the track. You just need to be 18 years old and have obtained a type B driving license . In practice, the same conditions that you have to undergo to get behind the wheel of a small car in the city. In reality, however, even those who do not have these requirements can enjoy the thrill of speeding along the asphalt of Monza , making themselves comfortable in the passenger seat (obviously not in the case of single-seaters) and leaving the driving in the hands of an expert driver.
Book now your track guide in Monza
Driving a Supercar on the track: the answers to the most frequently asked questions
Since the possibility of driving a real Supercar on the track for a day is an activity that arouses a lot of curiosity, below are the 4 most frequently asked questions on the subject, with the relative answers.
How much does a ride in a Ferrari (or other Supercar) cost in Monza?
All information on the cost of the Driving Experiences is available on the Puresport website, on the page dedicated to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza .
How long does a lap with a Ferrari (or another Supercar) last?
It depends on the skill of the pilot! What is important to know, however, is that a Driving Experience does not end with a single lap of the circuit.
Is it possible to give a lap as a gift?
Certainly. You can purchase a gift voucher that the recipient can use to book their own experience behind the wheel of a Supercar.
Is it possible to drive on the track without a license?
Unfortunately not. As already mentioned, a license is required to be able to drive. Without it, you have to be content to whizz around as a passenger.
Book now your track guide in Monza
Passions at the center of the 2022 calendar of the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, protagonists are motors, sport and free time
The Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix 2022 between 9 and 11 September, two weeks dedicated to Endurance with ELMS and WEC in July, the novelty of the Italian Drifting Championship. In the 2022 season, the races will be accompanied by various entertainment experiences for the public. Non-profit events are also scheduled.
The Autodromo Nazionale Monza season is ready to go and promises to be full of emotions for fans. The 2022 calendar is made up of race weekends, over forty test days, historical events, corporate and non-profit events. Motors, sports and free time will be the protagonists at the Autodrome: a wide offer not only for motorsport enthusiasts but also for families and tourists. In the centenary year of its foundation, the Circuit therefore broadens its gaze on new activities that it can host.
The season will kick off at the end of March with the thirteenth historical re-enactment of the Milan-Sanremo Cup , which will start right from the Brianza circuit. The classic regularity race, scheduled for Thursday 31 March, will offer a unique experience for the participants. Competitors will in fact have the opportunity to try their hand at 12 timed trials, which will also include the legendary Overpasses.
In April, the JustSpeed Monza Karting will reopen, a semi-permanent kart track inside the Alboreto curve, which will remain active until mid-August and will be a meeting point for adults and children who want to have fun challenging themselves to drive. The area will also be equipped with a lounge bar and restaurant with musical entertainment.
April 3 will be the turn of the ACI Storico Festival , in its second edition, and the first of the two ACI Racing Weekends of the year. This latest ACI Sport event will occupy the weekend between 22 and 24 April and will then be repeated between 7 and 9 October. In May, however, there will be the first news for the fans. The Italian Drifting Championship has in fact chosen Monza as the debut stage of the season. The pilots will compete in a specially created route near the Variante Ascari on 22 May.
The Temple of Speed will also become one of the places to celebrate the memory of Gilles Villeneuve, on the fortieth anniversary of his death, thanks to the MonRace GV Cup . It is a dynamic competition of GT cars built between 1950 and the 90s, which will parade on the streets of the Monte-Carlo city circuit and will arrive on Sunday 22 May at the Autodrome. The cars will be judged by a prestigious commission composed of, among others, Ivan Capelli and Umberto Zapelloni .
With the arrival of summer, the calendar will be more and more full. The track will be engaged on 2 June with a handbike race and the march of the Italian League for the Fight against Cancer . On June 4th and 5th, appointment with the Monza Sport Festival , showcase of the sports associations of the area. The MIMO Milano Monza Motor Show (17-19 June), after the success of last year, will be the highlight of the month also thanks to the conjunction with 1000 Miglia .
The Temple of Speed will, in fact, host the most important regularity race in the world on 18 June, which wanted to link its name to a jewel of international motorsport, in the year of its centenary. The appointment with the Time Attack Series will return on 24-25 June and will replicate the format also on 22-23 October.
In July, the Autodrome will instead become the home of two of the most important endurance races on the international scene in two consecutive weekends. On 1-2-3 July the drivers of the European Le Mans Series will battle it out in the 4 hours of Monza, while the following weekend (8-9-10 July) it will be the turn of prototypes and GTs of the FIA World Endurance Championship to race on Brianza asphalt, with a 6 Hours that will surely be unforgettable for the Monza public.
The Circuit will also be a Temple of sports disciplines. In 2022, in fact, cycling will also be the protagonist, with two unmissable events. On some summer days, the Monza track will be used by the Italian cronomans of the Italian Cycling Federation as a location for training in view of the European and World Championships, while the second Santiago in Rosa Cycling Marathon will be held on 17 September, confirmed after the satisfactory edition of last year. year. On October 15th it will be the turn of the 12H Cycling Marathon . The track will also be open for amateur cyclists during some evenings during the week in spring and summer, compatibly with track commitments.
The Formula 1 Pirelli Grand Prix of Italy 2022 , the most popular race of the year, will take place between 9 and 11 September. The F1 circus drivers will arrive in Monza after two more race weekends, in Belgium and Holland. Monza will therefore be a difficult test for the teams that will compete against the fastest track in the championship starting at 3pm on Sunday 11 September.
In the same month (23-25 September) the drivers of the International GT Open , a series that has reached its seventeenth season and confirms itself as one of the major GT pro-am platforms in Europe, will take to the track. On the same dates, eleven years after the last Italian edition, the Trial delle Nazioni will also return (24-25 September), the key event of the two trial wheels that concludes the world championship.
In October there will be space for two events in collaboration with the Municipality of Monza. In addition to the aforementioned 12H Cycling Marathon on October 15th, the Monza Half Marathon race will take place the following day. On October 29-30 instead of the Formula X Italian Series , followed on November 1 by the appointment with the non-profit event 6 Ruote di Speranza . The Special Rally Circuit by Vedovati Corse , now in its sixth edition and now a consolidated appointment in the circuit's sporting program, will be on 12-13 November. As usual, the season will be closed by a rally with an international profile still in the definition phase which will be placed on the weekend of 19-20 November or 3-4 December.
This year the stands of the Autodrome will finally return to fill up with the public during the events. The 2022 races hosted by the Temple of Speed will all be open doors, with the only payment of the parking space, with the exception of the 4 Hours of Monza of the ELMS, of the 6 Hours of the WEC, of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Italy 2022, of the 'International GT Open and the second ACI Racing Weekend, events for which ticket prices will be announced later on the respective event pages of the site.
The cost of parking for spectators will be, exactly like last year, 5 euros for motorcycles and 15 euros for cars. In the access procedures of fans on the Circuit, specific attention will not be lacking for people with motor difficulties, for which better access conditions will be studied. A welcome service will be supported with staff coming from a social cooperative that facilitates the work placement of people who, due to individual characteristics of discomfort, find it difficult to meet the world of work.
In addition to the already rich calendar presented so far, the tourist offer for the public and fans of the history of the Autodrome will be seasoned with the news of the Monza Circuit Experience tours. Thanks to the “Giro di Monza in 60 days” project, launched in collaboration with the Municipality of Monza and other symbolic places of the Monza city, tourists will be able to take advantage of dedicated discounts on guided tours in the Temple of Speed. In addition to the four tours already active from 2021 - Tour Experience , Track Tour , Historical Tour e Premium Tour - in 2022 other possibilities will be introduced for families including bike rental and the Tour Race, designed specifically for those who buy a ticket to follow the races at the Autodrome live. All the news will be announced progressively on the dedicated page of the Circuit's website.
Alessandra Zinno, General Manager of Autodromo Nazionale Monza, explains: "In September the celebrations for the hundred years of activity of the Temple of Speed will begin and will continue until 2023. Monza is a track that has marked the history of motorsport and has remained not only in the heart of the fans but also of the drivers who appreciate it for its speed and technical difficulty. Our goal is that the activities of the Autodrome are differentiated in order to expand the offer for the public, without forgetting the important international competitions that we already host successfully. The focus is to involve not only enthusiasts but also audiences of different ages and tastes: therefore we want motorsport fans, families, lovers of greenery and outdoor sports and tourists. The calendar that we present today is already a first step towards this differentiation, thanks to the presence of sporting, entertainment and social events and the constant activity of the Monza Experience dedicated to the curious of the history of the Circuit and to tourists arriving in Lombardy, in the near Milan and above all in Monza ».
Monza Cathedral, a short guide to discovering a treasure chest full of treasures
The Duomo of Monza is the symbol of the city and preserves historical, cultural and artistic beauties of inestimable value. The Cathedral Museum and Treasury tell the story through a rich sequence of relics and precious objects, among which the Iron Crown, kept in the Teodolinda Chapel, stands out. In this short guide, everything you need to know about the Monza Cathedral and some practical information to visit it. The Duomo , located in the heart of the historic center, is undoubtedly at the top of the list of things to see in Monza . Inside there are some of the most important artistic beauties that the city of Brianza can offer to tourists. The Duomo of Monza, in fact, houses a rich museum and hides a real treasure , the most precious piece of which is the iron crown , with which numerous sovereigns were crowned for centuries, including the kings of Italy. In addition, the bell tower that adorns the Basilica, which represents the highest point in all of Monza, deserves a special mention. Visiting the Duomo of Monza , therefore, is really a necessary activity, even if you are in the city only for a weekend. And to prepare for the visit, you can rely on this short and practical guide.
What to do in Monza: 3 tips for an unforgettable weekend
The history of the Monza Cathedral
To understand the importance of the Monza Cathedral, it is a good idea to begin this “journey” to discover it by retracing the main stages of its history . And the historical events concerning the Cathedral, officially called the Minor Basilica of San Giovanni Battista , begin long before its construction. At the end of 500 d. C., in fact, where today the famous religious building stands, there was the Basilica built by the queen of the Lombards Teodolinda , a central figure in the history of the city. Probably, that ancient Basilica was already consecrated to St. John the Baptist. However, practically nothing remains of the original construction , except some building materials and some furnishings, now housed in the Cathedral Museum. In fact, in 1300 , the year of the first Jubilee of Christianity, it was decided to radically overturn the building , rebuilding it from scratch. These were truly impressive works, the first phase of which ended almost half a century later, in 1346. For centuries, however, the Monza Cathedral was the object of embellishments and enrichments, with the addition of works of art and new architectural elements, such as the imposing bell tower (the construction of which began in 1592).
The architecture of the Monza Cathedral
And so, piece by piece, over the centuries, the Monza Cathedral has become the architectural jewel that today is a source of pride for the city. Moreover, the careful restoration that was carried out in 2020 has accentuated its splendor.
The external facade
The external facade of the Monza Cathedral , facing the square of the same name, is perhaps one of the elements that most characterises the building, thanks to its “two-tone” appearance. It is made in the Gothic style , using a skilful alternation of black and white marble . At the center of the facade, another distinctive feature stands out: the rose window by Matteo Campione , the original signature of the entire facade (then restored, at the beginning of the 20th century, by Luca Beltrami). The rose window is framed by a line of perforated panels, with masks, flowers and stars. Below the rose window is the porch, on which stands the statue of St. John the Baptist . Other decorative elements are the mullioned windows with double and triple lights that open in a mirror-like fashion along the two sides and the medallions of the arch, which contain the busts of Queen Teodolinda and her husband Agilulfo.
Interiors
Equally evocative are the interiors of the Monza Cathedral . The structure is the classic Latin cross , consisting of three naves with side chapels . The naves are separated by octagonal section pillars, decorated at the end with capitals representing animals, griffins, sirens and centaurs. In general, the decorations of the Cathedral, with a few exceptions, are all attributable to the Baroque period , while little has been saved from the previous phases. What is most striking about the basilica is the extreme richness of its frescoes , all of which deserve to be admired.
What's in the Duomo of Monza
Beyond its unquestionable overall beauty, however, the Duomo houses some “precious pieces”, true masterpieces of history, art and culture that deserve a special mention. These are, in particular, the frescoes of the Chapel of Theodolinda and the Tree of Life, the Museum and the Treasury, the Iron Crown and the bell tower.
The frescoes of the Teodolinda Chapel
As mentioned, the frescoes are numerous and beautiful. Among all, those signed by the Zavattari stand out, which adorn the Chapel of Teodolinda , which houses the iron crown and the remains of the beloved queen of the Lombards. It is a pictorial cycle that shines with its golds and bright colors . The story that unfolds throughout the various paintings is that of the life of Teodolinda, whose conversion to Christianity was the vehicle for the subsequent conversion of her people.
The tree of Life
The one depicting the Tree of Life is another of the valuable frescoes that decorate the interior of the Monza Cathedral. It is located in the right transept and is the work of Giuseppe Meda and Giuseppe Arcimboldo , who began painting it in 1556.
The Museum and Treasury of the Monza Cathedral
The Museum and Treasury of the Cathedral of Monza is a treasure chest that holds a priceless heritage of works of art and relics. Overall, the assets that make up this heritage make it possible to reconstruct, step by step, the entire history of the Basilica, from 1300 to 1900. Among other things, the Cross and Crown of Theodolinda , the Cross of Agilulf , the Diptych of King David and St. Gregory and the Reliquary of the tooth of St. John the Baptist are part of the Treasury. The Museum is located right under the Cathedral.
The Iron Crown
The jewel in the crown of the Monza Cathedral Treasury, however, is undoubtedly the Iron Crown . It is a prestigious find, because for centuries it has served to crown many kings. The origins of this precious object are unknown; according to the most accredited theories, the Iron Crown can be dated between 450 and 500 AD. Currently, it is kept in the altar of the Chapel of Teodolinda .
The bell tower (or bell tower)
The bell tower of the Monza Cathedral, with its 75 meters of height , represents the “tip” of the city, a fundamental reference for all the inhabitants. In the original structure the presence of the bell tower was not foreseen, which was instead added at the beginning of 1600, on the initiative of the archpriest Camillo Aulario. At the top of the bell tower there are 8 bells, dating back to 1741.
Visiting the Duomo of Monza: practical information
In light of what has been said so far, a visit to the Monza Cathedral is truly an unmissable stop. Here, then, is some practical information to help you organize it better.
Opening time
Monza Cathedral can be visited every day (except Mondays), from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm. The Chapel of Teodolinda, however, has slightly different hours, being open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 6 pm, and on Sunday, from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Guided tours
The main tourist attractions of the Monza Cathedral can also be visited with the help of a guide. All information on guided tours can be found on Museum website
How to reach the Duomo of Monza and where to park
The Duomo is located in the historic center, within a limited traffic zone. To reach it, therefore, it is necessary to leave your car in one of the paid parking lots adjacent to the historic center. From there you can easily continue on foot.
Visit Monza with the City Passport