Pisa grants honorary citizenship to the Parachuting Training Center (CAPAR)

The City Council of Pisa has officially granted honorary citizenship to the Parachuting Training Center of the Italian Army (CAPAR), located at the “Gamerra” barracks in the city. A recognition that celebrates over seventy years of history, service to the nation, and deep roots in the Pisa area.

“The honorary citizenship to Capar represents a recognition that is not just a formal gesture, but a true celebration of the deep bond that unites this institution with our community,” declared the councilor for demographic services and toponymy Gabriella Porcaro, during the official ceremony.

The heart of Italian military parachuting

The CAPAR is much more than a school: it is the home of all Italian Military Paratroopers, without distinction. From the paratroopers of the “Folgore” Brigade to the Alpine Paratroopers, from special forces operators to military academy cadets, anyone who has ever "taken off their feet" from a flying aircraft wearing a uniform has passed through here.

The origins of the Center date back to January 1947, when, on the initiative of veterans from the “Folgore” and “Nembo” divisions, the first nucleus was founded in Rome, under the guidance of Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Izzo and Captain Leonida Turrini. After a period in Viterbo, on June 9, 1957, the Center was definitively transferred to Pisa, then the headquarters of the 46th Air Brigade of the Air Force, equipped with transport and launch aircraft. The arrival took place with a historic march from the station to the Gamerra barracks, under the command of Colonel Carlo Mautino.

Over time, the name and hierarchical framework of the structure have evolved: Paratrooper Training Center, then Military Parachuting School (SMIPAR), until returning in 1999 to the current name, Parachuting Training Center (CAPAR), under the direct command of the “Folgore” Paratrooper Brigade.

A symbol of excellence and sacrifice

The Municipality of Pisa wanted to pay tribute to this important recognition not only for the historical and educational value of CAPAR, but also for its profound civil and humanitarian role. Over the decades, the Center has actively participated in rescue operations in case of natural disasters – such as the 1966 flood or the collapse of the building in Piazza Gambacorti in 1981 – and has been a protagonist in numerous international missions supporting populations affected by war and humanitarian crises.

“It has managed to deeply integrate into the city fabric, actively participating in critical moments of our history, bringing help and concrete closeness to the population,” emphasized councilor Porcaro.

An indissoluble bond with the city of Pisa and Italy

Today, CAPAR represents a national and international reference point for the training of military paratroopers, but it is also a symbol of passion, discipline, courage, and esprit de corps. The honorary citizenship is a recognition extended to all generations of men and women who have been part of it, building with dedication and sacrifice a reality that honors Italy and the city of Pisa.

“This gesture – concluded Porcaro – underlines the importance of collaboration between institutions and the citizenry, and the role that each of us plays in keeping our identity alive and strong.”

With this solemn act, Pisa not only honors a military institution of excellence but renews its deep bond with the history, values, and men of Italian military parachuting.