Imola

Travel Guide
Imola which includes a house
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.

Hotel Donatello Imola
Hotel Donatello Imola
4 out of 5
Via Gioacchino Rossini 25, Imola, BO
The price is ¥10,680 per night from Apr 8 to Apr 9
¥10,680
per night
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Imola. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (365 reviews)
"My children and I had a really nice stay at Imola, the hotel has a great cafe next door and a laundromat that’s impeccable and modern. The neighborhood is quiet and really nice. The little cafe next door has people hanging out at 11pm."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2023

Hotel Donatello Imola
Starhotels Excelsior
Starhotels Excelsior
4 out of 5
Viale Pietro Pietramellara 51, Bologna, BO
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥18,746 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
¥18,746
per night
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"This property was centrally located. We walked everywhere. The staff was very friendly and attentive. They helped us book tours and told us about the local highlights."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2024

Starhotels Excelsior
Royal Hotel Carlton
Royal Hotel Carlton
4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
The price is ¥23,506 per night from Apr 21 to Apr 22
¥23,506
per night
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (759 reviews)
Very nice, classic hotel
"Would give 5 stars but could not get the AC lower than “roast”. The place is otherwise excellent, rich decor and above your basic beautiful."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

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.
Centro Turistico Città di Bologna
Centro Turistico Città di Bologna
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 ...
7.8/10 Good! (171 reviews)
"We were quite disappointed in this stay. It was quite loud late into the night and the “bungalows” didn’t keep out the noise. The rooms weren’t specifically clean but the biggest disappointment was the breakfast. The coffee machine wasn’t restocked-no coffee, the choices were vast but not restocked ..."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2023

Centro Turistico Città di Bologna
Residenza Ariosto
Residenza Ariosto
2 out of 5
Via Marsala, 11, Bologna, BO
Stay at this apartment in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, an LCD TV, and a bathtub or shower. Popular attractions Via Indipendenza and Teatro Auditorium Manzoni are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (136 reviews)
"Staff was very friendly. Great location."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Residenza Ariosto
 Phi Hotel Bologna Apartments
Phi Hotel Bologna Apartments
4.5 out of 5
Piazza de' Celestini 3, Bologna, BO
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Palazzo dei Notai and Palazzo d'Accursio ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Very convenient. Excellent stuff!"

Reviewed on Sep 9, 2023

Phi Hotel Bologna Apartments
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
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Mark
Aug 12, 2019

Amazing racetracks