On the 125th anniversary of its foundation, the Pro Patria 1883 Gymnastics Society of Milan is proud to present its Virtual Museum. More than 1200 photos retrace 125 years of history: a cultural heritage that goes beyond gymnastics itself, a cultural heritage that is part of the history of Italy. The first stage is dated 1 August 1883, when in a meeting at the Caffè del Monte Tabor in Milan, 39 gymnasts, detached from the Forza e Coraggio Gymnastics Society, headed by Cesare Merini and Alberto Alberti, founded the "Pro Patria Gymnastics Society from Milan". The reason is that they did not share the systems with which the first rudiments of gymnastics were taught to young people: it was necessary to break, it was necessary to create real athletes for technique and competitive sense. They affixed their signatures to an elegantly handwritten Statute and the “Pro Patria” was born. Cesare Merini paid 30 cents of the first lira of the company's cash register, still preserved in a small picture in the Historical Archive, and became its instructor and president. Various sections were immediately founded: gymnastics, hiking, fencing and cycling. One of the most active members of the cycling section was Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli, who also worked as an excellent walker and an intense work of propaganda and proselytism, to spread the love for the natural beauty of our country, so much so that in November 1894, together with other members of the company, he founded the Italian Cycling Touring Club, later the Italian Touring Club (keep it going). The Virtual Museum is an initiative of SG Pro Patria 1883 Srl - Amateur Sports Society - VAT 09778190158 - The material contained is Copyright © 2008-2010 of SG Pro Patria 1883 Srl