This northern Italian town is a major motorsports center with F1 and MotoGP racing circuits. Local specialties include wine, cheese, and truffles along the Santerno River.
In northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Imola draws visitors to the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari racing circuit, where Formula One cars race past medieval city walls. You'll find the 13th-century Rocca Sforzesca castle, Renaissance-era Palazzo Tozzoni, and the Cathedral of San Cassiano with its detailed 19th-century stonework. The ancient Roman Via Emilia runs through the city center, lined with cafes housed in buildings with Gothic doorways.
Formula One Circuit and Racing Events
The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari circuit has shaped Imola since the 1950s. The track hosts the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, continuing from the San Marino Grand Prix that started in 1980. Visit on non-race days to walk parts of the track, see the Ayrton Senna memorial, or watch practice sessions from the public stands by the main entrance.
Historic Center and Main Streets
Walk the Via Emilia through Imola's center, following the same path Romans used 2,000 years ago. Today, shops and restaurants line this main street. Piazza Matteotti's red brick buildings create covered walkways where locals gather. The Cathedral of San Cassiano dates to 1187, with additions including its 1850 facade. Inside, you'll find religious artworks and detailed stone carvings.
Museums and Palace Collections
At Palazzo Tozzoni, each room maintains its 1700s appearance with original furniture and family belongings. The San Domenico Museum houses two collections: the Scarabelli wing contains prehistoric fossils and natural specimens, while the city gallery shows local art from medieval times to today. Visit the Rocca Sforzesca to see medieval weapons, armor, and locally-made ceramics.
City Parks and River Areas
Walk or cycle through Acque Minerali Park along the Santerno River, where you can find the original 1830s mineral water spring. The former hunting grounds of Tozzoni Park now serve as public walking paths through woodlands, with clear views of the surrounding hills. Both parks include designated picnic spots and host seasonal events.
Local Transportation
Pick up a city bike from automated stations across Imola to explore like locals do. The historic center is compact - you can walk from the castle to the cathedral in 20 minutes. Trains run hourly from Bologna, and buses take 17 minutes from the station to the racing circuit.
