surroundings
A Universe of Experiences Nearby.
The territory of Imola, historically a link between Emilia and Romagna, offers a captivating blend of extraordinary hilly landscapes – such as the stunning Santerno Valley, which has inspired artists of all kinds over time – and the unique colors of the plains stretching toward the sea. This unique environmental and natural heritage includes the Romagna Gypsum Vein, recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and boasts an invaluable collection of architectural, monumental, artistic, and cultural treasures. It is an area rich in history, as evidenced by archaeological findings that bear witness to the presence of ancient civilizations.
From the city of Imola, a productive and manufacturing hub just a 30-minute drive from Bologna and the Adriatic coast, to smaller towns featuring breathtaking villages like Dozza and Brisighella, the region is teeming with charm.
The area is also easily explored on foot or by bicycle, thanks to a dense network of trails and cycle paths immersed in nature. Not to mention the diverse sporting opportunities, including trails for mountain biking, trekking, e-bikes, canoeing, and the allure of the Motor Valley.
A special chapter is dedicated to the region’s culinary delights. Imola and its surroundings boast a wide range of agro-food products with DOP and IGP quality certifications, exported all over the world. This rich production satisfies even the most demanding visitors and elevates Italian gastronomic culture to the top of global rankings. From the art of winemaking, with dozens of small and refined wineries, to typical fruits such as the Castel del Rio IGP Chestnut, apricots, strawberries, and kiwis. There are also organic farms producing meat, milk, and cheeses with unmistakable flavors. Annual fairs and centuries-old festivals keep alive the magic of traditions rooted in authenticity, hospitality, and the warm smiles of the local people.
This authentic added value is confirmed by the praise of tourists who have found in this sensational “middle land” the ideal place for a quality stopover.
ENZO AND DINO FERRARI CIRCUIT, IMOLA
The Imola Circuit deserves a special place in the global history of car and motorcycle racing.
Born from the passion and visionary spirit of a group of Imola residents, including the notable Francesco “Checco” Costa, the circuit was built in an area enclosed between the right bank of the Santerno River, the Acque Minerali Park, and the first hills. The track was inaugurated on October 19, 1952, when drivers Farina, Villoresi, and Ascari tested the Coni Prototype.
The first official motorcycle race took place on April 25, 1953, with the Coni Grand Prix, valid for the Italian championship in the 125cc and 500cc categories as well as the 250cc national class. The following year, the Golden Cup definitively established the circuit’s motorcycle racing vocation, which was later popularized worldwide by the legendary 200 Miles of Imola. This event, held between 1972 and 1985, brought the greatest motorcycle racers to the banks of the Santerno. The circuit also hosted seven editions of the Nations Grand Prix (1969-1988), four editions of the City of Imola Grand Prix (1996-1999), two editions of the San Marino Grand Prix (1981 and 1983), and various stages of the Superbike World Championship.
On April 21, 1963, Formula 1 made its debut on the Imola circuit, and in 1970, the facility was named after Dino Ferrari, the late son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari.
On September 14, 1980, following the success of the 1979 Dino Ferrari Grand Prix, Imola hosted its first Formula 1 World Championship race: the 51st Italian Grand Prix. This marked the beginning of a long partnership with the Republic of San Marino, which organized 26 consecutive editions (1981-2006) of the premier class of global motorsport. On August 14, 1988, after Enzo Ferrari’s passing, the circuit was renamed the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Circuit.
The darkest chapter in the circuit’s history occurred in 1994, with the tragic deaths of drivers Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna. These incidents led to significant modifications to the original layout. Formula 1 made its much-anticipated return to Imola in 2020 with the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, though the event was held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This race became a regular fixture (except for the 2023 edition, which was canceled due to flooding) under the name “Made in Italy and Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.“
Every year, the circuit hosts numerous car races, including events for both open-wheel and closed-wheel vehicles (Ferrari Challenge, World Touring Car Championship, ACI-CSAI Italian Championships, Le Mans Series, International GT Open, etc.). The Imola Circuit has also been the venue for two Cycling World Championships (1968 and 2020) and stages of the Giro d’Italia.
Over time, the location has also become an ideal stage for massive rock concerts, such as the iconic Heineken Jammin’ Festival and unforgettable live performances by artists like Vasco Rossi, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and many more.
