Gino Bartali

Gino Bartali was an Italian cyclist known as the “Iron Man” for his unbreakable values, wisdom, and sheer willpower.
After the armistice of September 8, 1943, Italy plunged into the tragedy of Nazi occupation. Persecution of Jews became merciless: arrests, roundups, and deportations destroyed countless families. To survive, people needed forged documents, safe shelters, and individuals willing to risk everything to defend innocent lives.

In this desperate context, Gino Bartali played a crucial role. Under the guise of “training rides,” he secretly transported clandestine materials hidden inside his bicycle frame, connecting Florence with Perugia and Assisi. His fame as a champion allowed him to move relatively unnoticed, yet the danger was immense: if discovered, he would have been executed on the spot.

The panel dedicated to Bartali is among the richest in archival material. His distinctive aquiline nose guides the viewer’s gaze into the depths of his story. Official papers and identity cards testify to the vast number of false documents produced by the underground network to save as many lives as possible, over 800 in total.
A group photograph shows children who survived Auschwitz, many still wearing striped prison garments. The composition is balanced by an image of Bartali in 1945 on the right, likely taken after a postwar cycling competition, marking his return to his beloved sport.