Spazio Pantani Museum is a museum and tribute to Italian cycling icon Marco Pantani, who died under tragic circumstances at the age of 34. Photos, films and items relating to the local hero piece together his fascinating life and the circumstances that led to his untimely death. Learn through these intriguing displays about the so-called Pirate, who grew up here in Cesenatico.
Enter the museum, which stands within a brick building beside the railway station. Trace the entire span of the cyclist’s life through the extensive collection of photographs. Film footage and personal items also provide a window into the cyclist’s achievements. Known as a climbing specialist, Pantani won the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. Hear how his shaved head, bandana and earrings led to his nickname of Il Pirata.
Find out about how Pantani was disqualified from a race for irregular blood patterns. Despite never testing positive for drugs in a race, doping allegations plagued the cyclist, who went into a depression from which he never recovered. He died in 2004 from a cocaine overdose.
Browse the array of souvenirs available in the gift shop, where you’ll find clothes, trinkets and films. The museum opened in 2006 and is run by the cyclist’s family, who is said to donate all profits to charity.
In summer, the site opens daily from morning until evening, with a short break at noon. Note that the museum closes on Mondays and Tuesdays in winter. There is a fee to enter, with free admission for kids.
Spazio Pantani Museum is next to the Cesenatico railway station in the center of the town. Arrive by train or get a bus to one of the surrounding stops. Make sure to see nearby sights such as the Casa Moretti, the Cesenatico Maritime Museum and the San Giacomo Church.