an industrialist in the pharmaceutical industry a piece of land that in the 15th century had been owned of the noble Contarini family of Venice who had planted an agricultural estate there while between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries it saw the birth of the English garden of Marquis Antonio Maffei thanks in part to the suggestions of the great poet Ippolito Pindemonte By the time Sigurtà bought the land the garden was unrecognizable: it was thanks to him that the park was redeveloped including the renovation of the 19th-century buildings built by Marquis Maffei (the hermitage from the original 22 hectares to the current 60 The garden was finally opened to the public in 1978: initially it could be walked through by special cars while from 2000 onward it can only be visited on foot Visitors enter by strolling through the kilometer-long Avenue of Roses from where it is possible to reach all the park's points of interest such as the scenic walkway from which there is a splendid view of the Mincio Valley the Water Gardens that open up with a view of the castle of Valeggio sul Mincio built in 1792 by Antonio Maffei as well as the castelletto a neo-Gothic building where the Sigurtà family also welcomed their guests passed to siblings Giuseppe and Magda Sigurtà who commissioned architect and Englishman Adrian Fisher to advise him in creating the Labyrinth of the Sigurtà Garden Park Fisher is one of the world's best-known maze designers: he has designed some 700 mazes scattered around the globe and considers the one in Valeggio sul Mincio designed by Sigurtà himself with him on an area that was previously used as a coach parking lot at the southern edge of the park (the labyrinth is reached by walking down Viale delle Rose) The labyrinth designed in 2005 by Adrian Fisher covers an area of more than 2,500 square meters and is made entirely of yew (taxus baccata of the taxaceae) widely used inars topiaria because it is long-lived and particularly suitable for forming large ornamental hedges that require no special care it reaches a height of between 10 and 20 meters and even in the labyrinth of the Sigurtà Garden Park one finds oneself immersed inside a maze of tall plant walls consequently the impression one has upon entering a yew maze is that of being in a less oppressive and less enclosed space Speaking with engineer Ettore Selli, author of the book Italian Labyrinths, Giuseppe Sigurtà said that the inspiration to plant a plant labyrinth in the family park came to him after a visit to the Ducal Palace in Mantua, observing thefresco of the labyrinth in the Hall of Horses once given to Lorenzo Leonbruno and now instead attributed to the German Bartholomaus Dill Riemenschneider "Where was it best to start," Selli writes in his volume "to design a labyrinth if there were no design manuals During our interview Giuseppe Sigurtà told me that after coming up with the idea he began to travel all over Europe to study the most famous layouts on the old continent with the intention of gleaning the unwritten rules behind the art of labyrinths Hence the European soul of the layout was born which does not respond to predefined architectural and botanical constraints bringing for the first time in Italy architectural expedients never seen before." That of the Sigurtà Garden Park is a multi-solution labyrinth meaning there are several ways to get to the center although in concept it is typically Italian in implementation it is Anglo-Saxon in inspiration: the model is the labyrinth at Hever Castle in England As in the English labyrinth (the one in Valeggio the structure has a square plan and the outer corridors of the maze are rectilinear but then the structure unfolds according to concentric circles that lead to the center of the labyrinth where a tower inspired by the one found in the Bois de Boulogne park in Paris stands topped by a dome and flanked by two opposing staircases that rise in a spiral and are each two and a half meters high And from the top of the tower it is possible to admire the entire maze pattern Speaking of views from above: a singular peculiarity of the Sigurtà Garden Park Labyrinth is its.. A "3D pattern," as Adrian Fisher called it: the Venetian maze is in fact one of the rare labyrinths where there are stairs and elevated passages that offer visitors a view from above the labyrinth or at least a part of it These passages are secured by metal ramps and are unmatched in the rest of Italy although there are similar examples in labyrinths located outside And passage over these ramps is mandatory should one wish to reach the center has long been to enrich his labyrinth to make it a unique experience in the world it will be possible to enter a tunnel that will lead to the soon-to-open Fossil Museum which will collect the fossils collected by Carlo Sigurtà a first idea is to add movable hedges that will change the pattern of the labyrinth to the visitor who will then not find himself walking through the same meanders twice is to introduce the dimension of time into the maze through water portals that will be activated only on the visitor's second pass and will block his path "It's a bit of the philosophy of life," said Giuseppe Sigurtà: "if one does not try and try more than once April 5 (Xinhua) -- Visitors flocked to Parco Giardino Sigurta in northern Italy on Friday to enjoy the full bloom of spring flowers at one of the country's most scenic gardens the park drew crowds of tourists and locals alike and captured the moment with photos and selfies to enhance your user experience. By clicking anywhere on the page or scrolling down the content you can temporarily hide this banner you are giving your consent for us to set cookies The 30th Muzzle Loading World Championship in Valeggio sul Mincio (VR) is not to be missed but also the possibility of having lunch and dinner according to the best Italian culinary tradition with the Bolognese Chef Mauro Fabbri MLAIC 2024 Muzzle Loading Shooting World Championship The “difference” at the 30th Muzzle Loaders Associations International Committee (MLAIC) World Championship will be made by the competition it is impossible to miss the event that will take place from 25 to 31 August at the Valeggio sul Mincio shooting range Not only for the beauty of the surrounding areas will be taken care of by an “executive chef”: Mauro Fabbri for 35 years chef and co-owner of the famous traditional restaurant Diana in Bologna The innovative proposal for the Italian World Championship is the possibility The menu is an expression of the culinary tradition of the Belpaese There is a lot of anticipation for the World Championship We have had direct confirmation of this from the shooters multiple medalist at World and European Championships as well as organizer of international MLAIC competitions: “Italy has always been the key country for muzzle loading Let's not forget that most of our competition guns come from your beautiful country Italy has organized several international competitions in the past and the hospitality it has shown has always been first-rate I see a great team behind Italian black powder shooting I am training hard to aim for individual medals but I would also like to contribute in team events” 50-time French champion and a dozen-time European and World champion: “It is very important that the championships are organized by different countries I have already come to Italy several times to the World Championships in Parma and also every year to the Italian Grand Prix For this championship I want above all to have fun and the results will come by themselves” several-time champion in muzzle-loading clay shooting: “For me it is something special to take part in the World Championships in Italy I am looking forward to having nice fair competitions and meeting friends from all over the world” several times on the world and European podiums: “It is a great moment to be able to take part in a World Championship again also because I have achieved good results throughout the year Of course I will do my best and hope to bring home one or two medals for Austria” The opening ceremony will be held on Monday one of the most beautiful villages in Italy The competition will take place over 4 days from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with some variations for all 27 MLAIC shooting specialties at 25 50 and 100 meters and the 4 clay shooting specialties 500 shooters are expected for a maximum of 1,800 performances GUNSweek.com is an online platform dedicated to information on the gun culture and history on shooting activities and the diffusion of technical knowledge in the gun world Knowledge to understand better and to a responsible approach to the gun world and its rules Copyright © 2016-2025 Digitoolmedia Srls VAT No. IT12346351005 The 30th Muzzle Loading World Championship took place from 27 to 31 August 2024 in Valeggio sul Mincio The next World Championship will take place in 2026 in Eisenstadt The 30th Muzzle Loading Shooting World Championship that took place in Valeggio sul Mincio It had been more than twenty years since the international competition was held in Italy and the eyes of the world were all focused on the firing lines of the shooting range located in an area that is considered the cradle of Italian Risorgimento Expectations were therefore very high, but the organisation by the CNDA, the Confederazione nazionale degli archibugieri (the Italian National Arquebusiers' Association) garnering the applause of shooters and accompanying persons Only the scorching temperatures during the competition days (30°C on average with peaks around 40°C) created some problems for the shooters and staff CNDA President Gianmario Delvò wanted to thank "all the CNDA staff who accompanied me supported me and put up with me in this wonderful adventure and thanks to Marco Pasini for always believing in it I am extremely satisfied with how the event was managed I hope that the goal achieved by the CNDA can relaunch the arquebusier movement in Italy We also achieved significant results from a competitive point of view despite many shooters also being involved in the organization" The World Championship took place over four days Around 500 shooters from almost 30 countries took part in the various competitions: Argentina A stunning performance for German Matthias Plöscher world champion in Mariette with 98 and Remington Replica an event combining Colt or Mariette or Donald Malson enhanced by a world record of 187 points (98+89) He is almost 9 points ahead of the second placed is 46 years old and has been shooting since childhood with air rifles "At some point my uncle gave me an old Italian muzzle-loading revolver and my passion for muzzle loading was born Now I use an original Swiss Prelat revolver in Vevey" He lives near Munich and shoots mainly at the Landsberg shooting range I had also won at the World Championship in Pforzheim I intensified my training even to five times a week in the last three months." In the combined Remington event reserved for original guns victory again went to Germany's Andreas Wimmer with 175 points (93+82) over Canada's Brian Lacroix at 171 (90+81) and Austria's Günther Kolb at 165 (90+75) Second in the Mariette event was Sweden's Ronnie M Ljungvall (98) and third the Czech Josef Forman (96) Poland ahead of Portugal with the same score of 277 points with thirteen 10s against nine the news is that there is a podium without Germans: Switzerland places Adrian Eichelberger on the top step of the Lamarmora Original event ahead of the Spaniard José Ramòn Galàn Talens (96) and the Hungarian Balasz Nemeth (95) Swiss victory with 271 points over France and Germany (266) Germany immediately re-established its rule: first was Michael Sturm over multiple champion Andreas Wimmer with 96 and Czech Martin Zurek with 95 Mauro Pesavento (89) and Leonardo Nicoli (88) which includes Original and Replica and is called Enfield Switzerland managed to dominate with 285 over Germany at 277 and Spain at 273 flintlock rifles with a spherical ball at 100 meters six Germans took the top six places with Michael Sturm (94) ahead of Leonhard Brader (93) victory by a wide margin for Germany at 276 In the Maximilian event with original rifles a Swiss victory for Herbert Grad (89) over Germany's Alfred Bailer (86) and Great Britain's Jon Harper Smith (86); Italy's Graziano Cattaneo twelfth with 81 over Germany at 248 and Great Britain at 243 the Walkyrie Replica was won by Germany's Tanja Eichert (96) over France's Véronique Tissier (95) and the other German Ute Gretz (95); the Walkyrie Original was won by Britain's Helen Harper Smith (94) over Spain's Nunci Rodriguez SanJosé (92) and Brazil's Luciane Cortezao (89) The team classification comprising the two events saw the Germans win at 285 over the French at 284 and the Poles at 261 Also among the events dominated by the Germans was the Tanegashima Replica with Sturm both on 100 points with a 2 mm narrower shot for Sturm Third was the German Thomas Baumhakl at 98 Nagashino is the name of the corresponding team ranking like the previous one with ball-shooting matchlock guns at 50 m victory for Britain's Jon Harper Smith over Sweden's Johan Karlsson and Germany's Leonhard Brader Of note was the victory with a world record equalled by 100 points by the young German Kilian Fichtl in the Whitworth Replica discipline over compatriot Leonhard Brader (99) and Austria's Hubert Gierlinger (98) Fichtl repeated in the junior event with 94 which was enough to overcome French athlete Céleste Fleury Bouge (91) and Austrian Max Grasserbauer (88) Fichtl is 21 years old and resides in Hausham also shoots 10m air rifle and is a trained industrial mechanic flintlock smoothbore pistols shot at 25 meters the winner is the Swiss Andreas Holdener with 88 points and four 10s second the Spaniard Ricardo Guillén Doz at 88 goes to Spain with 245 points ahead of Switzerland with 243 and the USA with 235 yet another German victory with an amazing world record of 99 (the previous one was 97) by Reiner Holla; second was Finland's Timo Aulis Nääthänen Lihavainen at 96 and third was France's Noël Risch at 94 French victory in the Miquelet Original thanks to Philippe Martinant with 95 second place for Sweden's Johan Karlsson (94) and third place for Norway's Oddvar Deberitz (92) which is 8 points ahead of Norway (262) and 10 ahead of Sweden (260) Victory for young German Sabrina Rager in the Manton Replica clay tartget event ahead of Hungarian Tamas Dobos (42) and Frenchman Bruno Descombin (40) It was again Slovakian Stefan Ernst who won the Cominazzo Replica event with a score of 94 over German Lucas Müller (93) and the other German Ralf Strobel (92) In the Wogdon team classification it was still Germany with 274 overtaking the Slovakian Republic with 263 and Belgium with 255 in the Original competition rewarded Germany's Raimund Zellner with a score of 94 Italian Sergio Magnani with 92 put the bronze medal around his neck Michael Sturm won the Pennsylvania Replica event with 99 points and a tighter grouping than compatriot Thomas Baumhakl; third was France's Anaïs Terpoorter (96) The Original and Replica team classification sees France with 284 over Germany at 283 and Hungary at 275 The Hizadai discipline is shot in kneeling position with smoothbore guns at 50 meters Among shooters firing in the Original event the winner is Britain's Jon Harper Smith with 96 points over Sweden's Johann Karlsson at 95 and Austria's Peter Kanzler at 94 The Hibuta team classification is the prerogative of Great Britain with 262 points over Austria with 259 and Sweden with 256 Gold again for Michael Sturm with 100 rings ahead of Switzerland's Hans-Peter Rüfenacht and third was France's Mathieu Ducellier with 98 Switzerland won with 291 points over Germany at 289 and France at 286 who wins the Whitworth Original event with a score of 98 ahead of the other Swiss Hans-Peter Rüfenacht and the German Raimund Zellner is 28 years old and started muzzleloading when he was 14 German victory again in the Rigby competition which includes Original and Replica Whitworths with 294 points against 288 from Austria and Spain over German Thomas Baumhakl at 93 with four 10s and the other Swiss Adrian Eichelberger again at 93 but with one 10 less The team classification of the Original Minié is won by Switzerland with 289 points over Germany with 273 and France with 261 The Versailles ranking includes the combination of the team rankings Pauly (Miniè O prone at 100 meters) and Gustav Adolf (Michelet O In the Lorenzoni Replica clay target competition victory went to Hungary's Tamas Dobos with 45/50 (23+22) over Dutchman Nap Bollemeijer at 44+3 and Frenchman Bruno Descombin at 44+2 Lorenzoni's Batesville team ranking is the prerogative of Spain with 128 over the USA at 120 and Germany at 119 bronze and an Italian record for young Marco Pasolini with a score of 90 (the previous one was 88) in Barsanti that is the same as Kuchenreuter The young shooter went home with three medals a result that is unparalleled for the Italian team Victory for the German Markus Wörnle with 94 and second place for the Czech Josef Forman at 91 victory for Spaniard Martin Morales Laguna (135) over compatriot Ricardo Guillén Doz (134) and Finland's Jukka Päärnila (131); a good fourth place for Italian MLAIC representative Antonio Ferrerio with 128 was won by Sweden's Johan Karlsson with 89 rifle of caliber larger than 13.5 mm at 100 meters by Ed Schneeman with 94 over the Hungarian Balász Nemeth (92) and the Norwegian Oddvar Deberitz (88) at the conclusion of the World Championship said: “The shooting range was well set up with excellent services and general cleanliness but the economic situation certainly didn’t help”.The Dutchwoman is happy with the results: “Above all with the young people who competed We decided to have them shoot both in their specialties and integrated with the Seniors the excellent work of the press office curated by Massimo Vallini (VIDEO) who guided us through the complex maze of the numerous rankings and the very high level of catering by Bologna chef Mauro Fabbri co-owner of the famous restaurant Diana in Bologna Fabbri and his staff surprised and amazed the shooters with a menu dedicated to traditional Italian cuisine and even baked pizzas using a field oven (VIDEO) The next international muzzle loading event is next year in Barcelos where the European Championship will be held while in 2026 the next World Championship will be held in Eisenstadt Deutschlandinfo@vsmedien.de International contact to all4shooters.com:info@all4shooters.com The international editorial team General Terms and Conditions Terms of Use Colophon Contacts Privacy Policy The 30th MLAIC Muzzle Loading World Championship to be held at the end of August 2024 in Valeggio sul Mincio promises exciting and spectacular competitions but also the opportunity to lunch and dine in the Italian culinary tradition with chef Mauro Fabbri At the 30th Muzzle Loading Associations International Committee-MLAIC World Muzzle Loading Championships it will be the competition – which will be certainly exciting and spectacular – to make a difference it is impossible to miss the event that will take place from August  25 to 31 at the Valeggio shooting range Not only because of the beauty of the surroundings will be taken care of by an "executive chef": Mauro Fabbri The innovative proposal for the Italian World Championships is the possibility upon reservation on the spot during the day The menu is an expression of Italy's culinary tradition There is a lot of anticipation for the World Cup We got direct confirmation of this from the shooters a multiple medallist at World and European Championships and organiser of MLAIC competitions at international level said: "Italy has always been the key country for muzzle loading Italy has organised several international competitions in the past and the hospitality it has shown has always been first class but I would also like to contribute in team events." 50 times French champion and a dozen times European and world champion: "It is very important that championships are organised by different countries I have already come to Italy several times to the World Championships in Parma and also every year to the Italian Grand Prix For this championships I want above all to have fun and the results will come by themselves." multiple muzzle loading champion: "For me it is something special to take part in the World Championships in Italy I am looking forward to fair competitions and meeting friends from all over the world." several times on world and European podiums: "It is a great moment to be able to participate in a World Championship again Of course I will do my best and hope to bring home one or two medals for Austria." Training sessions are scheduled for Sunday 25 August and Monday 26 The opening ceremony will take place on Monday 26 starting at 7 p.m. with a historical re-enactment and cannon salutes with some variations for all 27 MLAIC shooting disciplines at 25 50 and 100 meters and the four clay shooting specialities To seal the end of the competition there will be a closing banquet on Saturday 31 August at 9 p.m 500 shooters are expected for up to 1,800 performances Delegations from almost 30 countries have already secured their presence: Argentina For information: www.cnda.it, info@cnda.it Deutschlandinfo@vsmedien.de International contact to all4shooters.com:info@all4shooters.com Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders Complete digital access to quality analysis and expert insights complemented with our award-winning Weekend Print edition Terms & Conditions apply Discover all the plans currently available in your country See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times The 30th MLAIC World Championships of muzzle-loading shooting will take place in Italy from 25 to 31 August 2024 in Valeggio sul Mincio (Verona) supervised by the MLAIC in collaboration with the CNDA This important sporting event returns to Italy 22 years after the World Cup in Lucca and 17 years after the European Championship in Parma and represents a great opportunity for the entire Italian muzzle-loading shooting community Gianmario Delvò, president of the CNDA, the National Association of Arquebusiers explains it: «All this is the result of the long work carried out in previous years by a team of people who with perseverance and a sufficient dose of stubbornness dedicated themselves to laying the foundations for so that we could reach this point I am sure that we will figure well in the international forum thus also being able to grow at a national level." The CNDA will bring into play all its expertise already tested with the 5th Italian Grand Prix held in the past month of April in Valeggio and will enrich the proposal with all-Italian creativity with historical re-enactment and cannon volleys An 800 m2 tent will be erected at the shooting range where athletes and their companions will be able to taste local specialties and more the format is divided into 4 days of competition The competition program will include all 26 MLAIC shooting specialties at 25 Delegations from almost 30 countries have already ensured their presence The technical sponsors of the event are: Davide Pedersoli MLAIC 2024 Muzzle Loading Shooting World Championship Boutique Italian hotel Corte Pravecchio is set to open its doors in Spring 2025 showcasing a nature-inspired design by Rural Urban is located in the lush heartlands of Veneto Surrounded by verdant meadows and historic vineyard the hotel finds home in an 18th-century family farmhouse which has been thoughtfully restored by founders Mia and Ivan inspired by her family’s agricultural legacy and hospitality background from its design ethos to its culinary offerings The centerpiece of the property is a new guesthouse built from environmentally friendly hemp bricks seamlessly integrating the site into its natural surroundings minimalist Nordic-inspired interiors blend harmoniously with the organic rhythms of the countryside from handcrafted furnishings by Carl Hansen & Søn to subtle accents by Ferm and Muuto has been selected to reflect the owners’ commitment to sustainability and timeless design each featuring private terraces that invite guests to connect with the surrounding landscape Farm-to-table philosophy is at the heart of the culinary offer Drawing on the traditions of Verona and partnerships with local organic producers Corte Pravecchio’s menu celebrates the region’s bounty The property reflects its founders’ vision of a contemporary agriturismo that honours its heritage while embracing forward-thinking practices – from plastic-free operations to biodynamic farming methods Registered in England and Wales with Company Number 06637145 We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings we will not be able to save your preferences This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again More information about our Cookie Policy The smell of blooming flowers hangs in a heady cloud over Villa Sigurtà and its gardens; crunching down the gravel drive the scent conveys you into a dream: a forgotten vision of Belle Epoque decadence – just about saved by places like this. In the Renaissance heartlands of northern Italy, this exceptional house lies tucked into a fold of wood and parkland now mostly maintained by the Ministry of Culture the sixteenth century facade looks out onto the village of Valeggio Sul Mincio the main staircase rises under a stunning fresco of the Fall of Phaeton emerging onto a four columned loggia which looks over the elaborate front gardens through the iron gates and back into Valeggio The east wing of the villa adjoins an earlier 14th century building from whose shuttered windows the ruins of Monzambano Castle can be seen who can open the doors to some of Italy’s most blue-blooded palazzos and grandest houses to rent across the country Tuscany Now & More can also arrange experiences from boat trips on Lake Garda to pasta-making workshops in Valeggio and wine tastings at home The company are open to facilitating any experience for guests and are totally responsive to original inquiries – even a dinner in the Uffizi is within TN&M’s remit In a chain of distinguished proprietors, the Villa’s latest owner is Count Jose Antonio Sigurtà (though he says, ‘I never think of this place as mine’.) It was previously owned by the famous Maffei family, one of the most powerful in northern Italy and has seen visitors as powerful as Kaiser Wilhelm and Emperor Napoleon III; and as glamorous as Maria Callas and Queen Sofia of Spain. It is little wonder this luxury hotel has been chosen to host the G7 summit. Everyone from the Beckhams to the Vardys have booked in here for a discreet yet luxurious holiday who came on one occasion as Prince of Wales Staying with the nearby Count Guarienti, the-then Prince Charles drove to Sigurtà specifically to see the gardens and Jose remembers the Prince’s extraordinary knowledge of the flora – especially of the Sigurtàs’ rare blue lilies. In the cool light of the Salone, guests can gather for evening aperitifs with the rear doors opening onto the quiet buzz of the garden. A choice of an arabesque or hunting themed dining room lie in wait for a full service provided by the six staff. The Arniano Painting School, founded by William Roper-Curzon and Amber Guinness, is collaborating with Lime Wood Hotel with an upcoming course, designed for both experienced painters and beginners… The billiards room, which has rolling views of the grounds The area surrounding Villa Sigurtà, straddling the Veneto-Lombardy border, is a tapestry of green hills, ruins and snaking rivers. It looks like the sprezzatura of some higher designer. Northern Italy can be so beautiful in this careless way: Verona and its vast Roman arena lie a few kilometres to the east; to the south are Mantua’s waterside palaces; and sparkling blue Garda spreads itself out to the north. From the Vanderbilts to the Gettys, New York's Plaza Hotel offers an American-size buffet of social legacy. But when the clock strikes 10pm, where have all the people gone? Tatler's Features Director finds clues Jose Antonio takes us on a boat trip to the lake one day, where we pass Catullus’ ruined villa and Isola del Garda, with its Borghese palace rising above the monastery San Felice. We stop for lunch at a 15th century waterside inn, tying the boat to a crimson and ochre barber pole-style moorings Punta San Vigilio was a favoured haunt of Winston Churchill’s who often drank here during his painting holidays (it is said that he painted the view a number of times.) A long lunch under the lemon trees here is a balsam for the soul Count Jose Antonio Sigurtà and his young family Returning to Villa Sigurtà after a day in the sun is a dazing relief At its heart a huge Japanese Gingo-Bilboa reaches skyward as if in homage to the five hundred years of culture represented here atop the natural pool where Antonio Vivaldi and Scipione Maffei conceived their opera La Fida Ninfa a beautiful swimming pool offers the perfect respite after a day on one’s feet The hush extends everywhere except the kitchens; there the chef and his assistant are preparing another unforgettable service we eat merrily and enjoy 0km wines supplied from the adjacent Sigurtà estates I feel so at home here – I envy Jose and his family and any guests soon to discover this special place for the first time shooters from all corners of the world will meet in Valeggio sul Mincio (VR) where the 30th Muzzle Loading World Championship will take place 22 years after the World Championship in Lucca and 17 years after the European Championship in Parma The organisation, which has just been successfully run-in from the April Grand Prix will field all-Italian expertise and creativity in a competition at the highest level The last World Championship held in Italy was the one in Lucca in 2002 in 2007 there was the European Championship and then five Grand Prix Italian events with historical re-enactment and cannon salutes An 800-square meter marquee will be erected at the shooting range where athletes and accompanying persons will be able to taste local specialities and more As far as the competitive aspects are concerned the format of the World Championships in Valeggio is spread across the four days of competition: a total of 500 shooters are expected for a maximum of 1,800 performances The competition program will include all 26 MLAIC shooting disciplines with target distances of 25 Delegations from almost thirty countries have already secured their presence: Argentina we invite you to save the date and follow us During the world championship we will be on the field in Valeggio to describe the event with photos Deutschlandinfo@vsmedien.de International contact to all4shooters.com:info@all4shooters.com Special offer for March 8, 2025, free admission for all women. Reduced rate for men: €14 instead of €18. Opening hours: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm, no reservation required. Sigurtà Garden Park, an internationally renowned award-winning garden, reopens its doors on March 8, 2025 with a special Women’s Day initiative. The park offers a unique experience for nature and flower lovers. We are talking about a renowned nature park located in Valeggio sul Mincio, in the province of Verona, just 8 km from Peschiera del Garda. It covers an area of 60 hectares (600,000 square meters) and boasts a history dating back to 1407. In 2013 it was named “Italy’s Most Beautiful Park,” and in 2023 it received the Garden Tourism Award as the most beautiful park in the world. Among the main attractions are the Avenue of Roses (1 km with 30,000 re-blooming roses), the labyrinth (opened in 2011, with 1,500 Hornbeam plants), the large Oak Tree over 400 years old, and 18 ponds with water lilies and lotus flowers. Between March and May you can see Tulipanomania: the blooming of more than a million tulips. Take the Frecciarossa from Rome to Verona (duration: about 3 hours). From Verona, use ATV bus line 160 to Valeggio sul Mincio (duration: about 1 hour). The park is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. View this post on Instagram A post shared by IAT Pro Loco Valeggio sul Mincio (@proloco.valeggiosulmincio) Sigurtà Garden Park offers several ways to visit electric golf-cart tours or scenic train tours The 2025 season promises to be full of events and spectacular blooms confirming the park as a must-see destination for nature and beauty lovers Valeggio sul Mincio is a charming Italian town located in the province of Verona about 30 minutes from Verona and south of Lake Garda The main attractions are the Scaliger Castle (a medieval fortress from the 13th century that dominates the landscape) considered one of the most beautiful in Italy this town is famous for Valeggio tortellini known as “Nodo d’Amore.” Legend has it that these tortellini are inspired by a knotted silk handkerchief left by two lovers a variety of outdoor activities can be enjoyed: hiking and walking along and around the Mincio River; cycling on the bike path that connects Peschiera del Garda to Mantua The 5th Black Powder Shooting Grand Prix took place in Valeggio sul Mincio Around 250 shooters from ten European countries were attracted by the strong competition and attractive prizes but also by the chance to get to know the shooting range in the run-up to the World Championships at the end of August Sponsor Pierangelo Pedersoli gave a remarkable speech A World Championship dress rehearsal at Valeggio sul Mincio The 5th Grand Prix of Italy was held from April 19 to 21 Organised by the Consociazione Nazionale degli Archibugieri (CNDA the Italian National Association of Harquebusiers) one of the founding fathers of Italian muzzleloading sport and the CNDA It is an international competition recognised by the MLAIC (Muzzle Loaders Associations International Confederation) which includes all international muzzleloading disciplines recognised by the international Confederation divided into original (O) and replicas (R) on the classic distances of 25 meters (pistols and revolvers) 50 meters (revolvers and rifles) and 100 meters (rifles) Plus the national disciplines Smith & Wesson It is an internationally recognised competition by the MLAIC (Muzzle loaders associations international confederation) which includes all international muzzle loading categories recognised by the international confederation on the classic distances of 25 metres (pistols and revolvers) 50 metres (revolvers and rifles) and 100 metres (rifles) Plus the national categories Smith & Wesson The Grand Prix of Italy is relatively young and has become a fully-fledged part of the MLAIC international competition calendar on a par with other much more established GPs such as those in France Once again this year there was excellent participation by shooters – Italians Participation was in some ways even "unexpected" according to Francesco Fabbri Secretary and Treasurer of CNDA: approximately 250 registered participants muzzle-loading compared to other shooting disciplines takes a little longer which is what is required for the ritual of reloading firearms compared to breech-loading guns There is also a very special psychological approach which determines the fascination of the discipline because it commits the shooters to maximum concentration even in phases different from aiming and shooting "There is a deep-rooted conviction that a muzzleloading gun only serves as an accessory for historical re-enactments," explains Pierangelo Pedersoli owner of the company specialising in muzzleloading replicas that is sponsoring the Grand Prix "It doesn't matter if competitions are held from 25 metres to 1,000 metres it doesn't matter if muzzleloading is very popular all over the world hunting with muzzleloading firearms has developed." "The fact is that this indifference and lack of knowledge has meant that sporting activity with muzzleloading guns and this despite the fact that precision shooting could also be interesting at Olympic level." "It would certainly have a positive role to play in communication thanks to its cultural and unquestionably sporting foundation: it could become a means of bringing sceptics closer to the use of firearms for sporting activities precisely on the basis of its cultural and historical aspects." Pedersoli is referring to Italy in particular but the assertion is as verifiable as ever: a muzzleloading firearm is much more acceptable to a "city" public that is not familiar with guns in general and fears and rejects them no matter what "The Italian Grand Prix and the forthcoming World Championship are and will be a very important and convincing showcase for all those who have not yet realised this sport's potential: one only has to look at the results to realise that participants are true shooting sportsmen and sportswomen and that the guns built with modern materials and technologies are made for outstanding technical performances." it is always about the results in anticipation of the World Championships to be held in Valeggio sul Mincio from  August 25 to 31 The medal table sees Germany in first place with 15 gold who has many surprises in store for the next historic world event is satisfied but had to concentrate on the management of this Grand Prix: "The 5th Grand Prix of Italy was an important test to evaluate both the location of Valeggio and the organisation in view of the World Championship A little less than a thousand performances between rifle shooting and clay shooting were a significant test especially considering that we managed what is practically the equivalent of a European Championship in half the time these events usually take place We practically did everything in two and a half days whereas the European and World Championships take four and a half days There were a few minor critical points that will be resolved in the coming months despite its reduced ranks due to a few illness-related absences was able to accommodate and manage more than two hundred shooters and the inevitable imperfections were more due to the fast pace I think I can say that the event was a success not least because of the quality of the shooters present but without a real highlight that we will certainly see at the end of August..." while the competitions last 30 minutes to fire the 10 shots (3 practice shots) with two series of 25 clay targets per discipline with muzzle-loading rifles in the "Lorenzoni" (percussion rifle) and "Manton" (flintlock rifle) disciplines the clay pigeon always travels in the same direction with a parabola of approximately 2.5 m maximum height while the shooter has to move in sequence along the stations arranged in a semicircle and has only one shot available Worthy of mention are the performances of Stefan Ernst from Slovakia Cominazzo/R and Remington/R and the German Andreas Wimmer the French Mathieu Doucellier who won in Pennsylvania and La Marmora winner in Minié and often with good rankings LIPSIA O&R - MIQUELET/O - MIQUELET O/R WALKIRIE O&R - SHARPSHOOTER O/R (15 shots) Click here to download the ranking of the 5th Italian Muzzleloading Shooting Grand Prix Deutschlandinfo@vsmedien.de International contact to all4shooters.com:info@all4shooters.com Despite more than 6 centuries of age and 45 years of opening to the public (the gates opened for the first time on March 19 1978) the Sigurtà Garden Park is one of the most popular green corners in Europe thanks to the woods to the landscapes and seasonal blooms such as that of tulips The 600,000 square meters of extension allow for a regenerating visit by bicycle (the Park is located 2 km from the Mantova – Peschiera d/G cycle path) or by electric golf cart with GPS guide or on the panoramic train The Sigurtà Park is located in Valeggio sul Mincio (VR) a town named Orange Flag according to the Italian Touring Club and 2 km from the hamlet of Borghetto sul Mincio which is already part of the gallery of the most beautiful villages in Italy thanks to its ancient mills and the 14th century Visconteo bridge It is about 30 km from the cities of Mantua and Verona The Sigurtà Park has a double soul: an Italian-style design characterized by geometric designs that circumscribe the space and an English-style one based on the combination of natural and artificial elements such as caves small temples where those who walk ordered even when it assumes a more spontaneous character The ancient history of the Park dates back to 1407 when it was an orchard surrounded by walls or lands cultivated with fodder enclosed within a wall Then over the centuries it underwent various evolutions such as the expansion of the surface and the possibility of drawing water from the Mincio when Giuseppe Carlo Sigurtà opened the Garden to the public: today Magda and Giuseppe Sigurtà continue with dedication to preserve and make this naturalistic park known The Sigurtà Garden Park has obtained various awards over the years The Park has been part of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network since 2007 a network that includes the most beautiful gardens that can be visited in Italy; since 2020 it has been included in the prestigious Garden Route Italia project promoted by APGI – Associazione Parchi e Giardini d’Italia.To be updated on the events calendar: www.sigurta.it and the social channels facebook © 2025 by Viaggiando Italia - Web Marketing Solutions P IVA 02583850694 - Tutti i diritti riservati © 2025 by Viaggiando Italia - Web Marketing Solutions P IVA 02583850694 - Tutti i diritti riservati.