“Did that plane just tip its wings?” a child’s voice asked, full of wonder.
Parco Sandro Pertini may not be your typical park, but it holds a certain magic, especially for those who dream of flight. That’s because this park sits directly beneath the flight path of Turin Caselle Airport, named after Sandro Pertini, Italy’s beloved president from 1978 to 1985. As planes descend towards the runway, they often seem close enough to touch, their shadows momentarily engulfing the park.
While Parco Sandro Pertini isn’t known for ancient monuments or grand fountains, it offers a curious blend of tranquility and excitement. The park serves as a reminder of Pertini himself, a man who championed peace and unity during a turbulent period in Italy’s history. Just as his presidency offered a sense of stability, Parco Sandro Pertini, with its whispering trees and wide-open spaces, offers a welcome respite from the city buzz. Yet, the roar of engines and the sight of those majestic metal birds soaring overhead remind us of the world beyond, a world that Pertini, a staunch advocate for progress and international cooperation, encouraged his people to embrace. Even today, as you relax on a bench, perhaps enjoying a picnic lunch, the park invites you to look up, to dream, and perhaps, just for a moment, imagine yourself soaring amongst the clouds.