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.

Hotel Donatello Imola

Hotel Donatello Imola

4 out of 5
Via Gioacchino Rossini 25, Imola, BO
$103 nightly
The price is $121 total per night from Sep 17 to Sep 18
$121 total
Sep 17 - Sep 18
Total includes taxes and fees
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! (402 reviews)
"nice hotel with great breakfast but rooms dated and in need of an upgrade"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

Hotel Donatello Imola
Royal Hotel Carlton

Royal Hotel Carlton

4 out of 5
Via Montebello 8, Bologna, BO
$112 nightly
The price is $140 total per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
$140 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
Total includes taxes and 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! (1,000 reviews)
"Comfortable bed and friendly receptionist"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Royal Hotel Carlton
The Social Hub Bologna

The Social Hub Bologna

4 out of 5
Via Aristotile Fioravanti 27, Bologna, BO
Fully refundable
$84 nightly
The price is $109 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$109 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total includes taxes and 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! (555 reviews)
2nd stay and would come again
"Service was impeccable as was the room: excellent value. Very close to the station which made it convenient for us. 30 min walk into central Bologna. Unfortunately the pool was out of action for the vast majority of our stay hence three stars for this aspect. Would certainly stay again."

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

The Social Hub Bologna
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.
"La casa di Giada" guesthouse 1.5 km from the Imola highway exit.

"La casa di Giada" guesthouse 1.5 km from the Imola highway exit.

Emilia-Romagna
Stay at this vacation home in Imola. Popular attractions Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari and Oratory of S. Rocco are located nearby.
"La casa di Giada" guesthouse 1.5 km from the Imola highway exit.
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! (201 reviews)
"Reasonable location for Bologna centre. Reception really helpful with buses etc. Pool cold but otherwise ok."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Club del Sole Bologna Easy Camping Village
Residence Vita Studios & Apartments

Residence Vita Studios & Apartments

Via Marsala 47, Bologna, BO
Stay at this apartment in Bologna. Enjoy free WiFi, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Piazza Maggiore and Ducati Museum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (105 reviews)
"Amazing place to stay! Great location and fit our family's needs perfectly. Well stocked and felt just like home. It was awesome!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2025

Residence Vita Studios & 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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