Imola

Travel Guide

Imola showing a castle and heritage architecture
Imola showing a house
Imola showing heritage architecture, a castle and landscape views
Imola showing street scenes and a city
Imola showing a sporting event as well as a small group of people
Visit this modest town, which offers an unusual and rewarding combination of cultural, sports-related and natural attractions.

Imola is familiar to many sport fans as the home of one of Italy’s most famous racetracks. The surrounding Apennine Mountains add drama to the town’s pleasant historic center, where a number of interesting attractions can be found within easy walking distance.

Set on the border between Emilia and Romagna, Imola has been inhabited as far back as the Bronze Age. After Roman rule, it became an independent commune in the 11th century and was finally annexed with the Papal States in 1504.

Today, the town is best known as the home of the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, where important races such as the Formula One San Marino Grand Prix, the Formula 3000 World Championship and other important sporting events have taken place since the 1950s. Stop by to pay your respects at the memorial for legendary Brazilian driver Ayrton Senna, who was killed in an accident on this track in 1994.

See the panoramic views from the top of SforzaCastle. Inside the castle, you’ll find an exceptional collection of old weapons and medieval ceramics.

Check out the artifacts housed in the Palazzo Tozzoni, a well-preserved historic mansion. Admire the stuccoes and sculptures that decorate the main staircase and browse the library’s collection of books, some of which date back to the 16th century.

Don’t miss the San Domenico Museum, which is set in a former convent that dates back to the 14th century. With more than 600 pieces, including ceramics, drawings, paintings, coins and sculptures, the museum traces the history of Imola from the medieval period to modern times. Keep an eye out for paintings by well-known artists, including Innocenzo da Imola and Guttuso.

One of the best times of year to visit Imola is during June, when streets artists perform in the town center for Imola in Musica. In November you can sample the city’s rich cuisine at Baccanale, an event that celebrates all forms of gastronomy. Imola is located 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Bologna.

The Social Hub Bologna

The Social Hub Bologna

4 out of 5
Via Aristotile Fioravanti 27, Bologna, BO
The price is ¥12,683 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
¥12,683
¥16,398 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star property in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (594 reviews)
"Very expensive"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2025

The Social Hub Bologna
Starhotels Excelsior

Starhotels Excelsior

4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
The price is ¥25,739 per night from Oct 19 to Oct 20
¥25,739
¥30,760 total
Oct 19 - Oct 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,013 reviews)
Bologna Getaway
"Excellent hotel- clean, great service and conveniently located close to the train station. Would recommend staying there!"

Reviewed on Sep 24, 2025

Starhotels Excelsior
Royal Hotel Carlton

Royal Hotel Carlton

4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is ¥24,151 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥24,151
¥29,013 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,022 reviews)
"Good location within walkable distance of square. Staff polite professional helpful and welcoming"

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2025

Royal Hotel Carlton
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village

Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village

3 out of 5
Via Romita 12, Bologna, BO
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly campground in Bologna. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (204 reviews)
"The stay was short and sweet. Beautiful setting that allowed for peaceful walks with birds and other animal heard. Staff was very courteous and helpful. The puzzaria on site has great food. No need to go anywhere else"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 2025

Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village
Residenza Ariosto

Residenza Ariosto

2 out of 5
Via Marsala, 11, Bologna, BO
Stay at this apartment in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Piazza Maggiore and Ducati Museum are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (167 reviews)
"Convenient location close to centre. Large rooms. Basic decor but clean and functional"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Residenza Ariosto
Design Club Collection

Design Club Collection

Via Nazario Sauro 25, Bologna, BO
Stay at this apartment in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Piazza Maggiore and Ducati Museum are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (22 reviews)
"Well managed, lovely staff, good location"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2025

Design Club Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Imola

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 20%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 20%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Mark

Amazing racetracks

Cities near Imola