Vigna di Valle

Military and technological evolution. The base's primary role was centered on seaplanes and airships. With the decline of seaplanes in military aviation after World War II and the end of the airship era, the base's strategic operational importance diminished. The Italian Air Force repurposed the historic site rather than abandoning it.

The site is an active Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) base with the official designation LIRB. Its primary modern functions are historical and institutional:

- **Italian Air Force Museum (Museo Storico dell'Aeronautica Militare):** Its most prominent role. The historic hangars house one of the world's most significant aviation museums, showcasing a vast collection of Italian aircraft.
- **Air Force Sports Center (Centro Sportivo dell'Aeronautica Militare):** A training facility for military athletes.
- **Historical and Sports Center:** The base command is known as the 'Centro Storiografico e Sportivo'.

While major flight operations have ceased, the base remains active and maintains a runway and facilities capable of handling aircraft, particularly helicopters.

Vigna di Valle is considered the cradle of Italian aviation. Established in 1904, it was the first airport and seaplane base ('idroscalo') in Italy.

Key historical points:
- **Pioneering Era:** It was initially an 'Experimental Aeronautical Yard' for airships and balloons.
- **Airship Center:** It was a major center for the design, construction, and operation of Italian semi-rigid airships, with famous explorers like Umberto Nobile (known for his North Pole expeditions) operating from here.
- **Seaplane Base:** Its location on Lake Bracciano made it a vital base for seaplane testing and operations for the Regia Aeronautica (the Royal Italian Air Force) through both World Wars.
- **Record Flights:** Many record-breaking and long-distance flights originated from Vigna di Valle, cementing its place in aviation history.
- **Post-WWII:** After the war, it hosted the Air Force's High-Altitude Rescue Center (Centro Soccorso Aereo) until the early 1960s.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Vigna di Valle as a public or commercial airport. Its current status as a priceless historical site, a national museum, and an active military sports/institutional center is firmly established and protected.