Museo Piaggio

It was here, in 1946, that the Vespa was invented.

About 20 minutes drive from Pisa is the town of Pontedera. With only 30,000 inhabitants and without any great monuments, the village is as exciting as Milton Keynes. But, in Pontedera lies Piaggio's factory. It was here, in 1946, that the first Vespas saw the light of day. The rest is history. Vespa is forever associated with Italy.

Piaggio's factory is huge. In addition to Vespa, Moto Guzzi, Aprilia and Gilera are also manufactured here.

Adjacent to the old factory area is an excellent museum. There are about a thousand (feels like) Vespa scooters of various kinds here.

Everything from prototypes from the end of World War II, to celebrity motorcycles that have been featured in Hollywood movies. In addition, there are racing bikes from Aprilia and Gilera, as well as a newly opened department for Ape – Piaggio's three-wheeled micro delivery van. The same three-wheeled motorcycle that was the base for the insanely popular tuk-tuk in Asia.

We highly recommend a visit here. In addition, it is free and opens almost every day. However, not on Mondays. Check the website for opening hours. And don't forget to visit the gift shop before you go.

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