Today (Thursday) the stage is between
Forli and
Reggio Emilia, via
Barberini di Mugello,
Sasso Marconi and
Modena.
Forli:
Blazon: D'oro, all'aquila dal volo spiegato di nero, coronata e membrata del campo, tenente nell'artiglio destro uno scudetto ovale di rosso, alla croce d'argento, posto in banda, e con il sinistro, uno scudetto pure ovale, posta in sbarra, d'argento alla fascia dello stesso bordata, con il motto "Libertas", il tutto di nero.
The arms at first glance suggest a love of rugby football, but in fact convey two political messages. Mr McM's explanation of the Guelph/Ghibbeline rivalry suggests that Forli was once an imperial supporter and indeed the original arms were granted by Emperor Frederick II for the town's assistance in the capture of neighbouring Faenza, and Forli was the last bastion of support in Italy for the Hohenstaufens. The dexter "rugby ball" denotes Savoy and the sinister the love of liberty, both indicating the town's support for "risorgimento" and Garibaldi.
Reggio Emilia:
"SPQR" here standing for "Senatus Populusque Regianorum".
Barberino di Mugello:
Not hard to spot the link between the town's name and its arms.
Sasso Marconi:
Blazon: Campo di cielo, alla montagna tondeggiante, al naturale, fondata in punta e uscente dai fianchi, erbosa di verde a sinistra, essa montagna sormontata dalla cometa d’oro, con la coda ondeggiante all’ingiù; al capo d’azzurro, sostenuto dal filetto d’oro, caricato dal lambello di quattro gocce, di rosso, alternate da tre gigli, d’oro. Ornamenti esteriori di città.
Not surprisingly the principal geological feature of Sasso Marconi is its rocky outcrop. I have yet to discover the significance of the comet. The chief, as we now know indicates a former allegiance to the Guelphs.
Perhaps, like me, you thought that the name "Marconi" had no connection with Guglielmo Marconi (Marchese di Marconi), or perhaps that he came from the town. Not so. He was in fact born in nearby Bologna and the town is named after him.
ModenaSee previous comments from the 2016 Giro:
http://amateurheralds.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=1091&start=20