Imola: Fortresses, Museums and Italian Culture

Fortress, Palaces and Museums

The Rocca Sforzesca was founded in the 13th century and is an example of fortress architecture between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It is currently closed to the public due to restoration work; it houses collections of ceramics and weapons.

The Palazzo Tozzoni was built in the first half of the 18th century by Domenico Trifogli. Its architectural substance, furnishings and household items are very well preserved. Since 1981, the palazzo has been a municipal museum. The museum tour at the Museo San Domenico includes a chapter house with frescoes from the early 14th century, a 16th-century library and a view from the pulpit into the interior of the church of San Domenico.

The Museo Giuseppe Scarabelli comprises an archaeological and prehistoric, a geological and a natural history section. These include 28,000 entomological and ornithological specimens as well as a herbarium with 5,000 plant species.

Traces of the City's History

In the 13th century, Imola was protected by a moat and seven walled entrance gates. The Bastioni di Port'Appia are the surviving bastions next to the former northern city gate. They are thought to date from between 1460 and 1472, when the Manfredi family commissioned the construction of the so-called Manfrediana Wall.

The Farmacia dell’Ospedale preserves the furnishings and decoration of a pharmacy inaugurated in 1794. These include 457 maiolica vessels made in Imola. The historic pharmacy, which is still in operation, can be visited during opening hours.

Cycling Route and Orientation

The 44-kilometre Ciclovia del Santerno is connected to the Parco delle Acque Minerali in Imola and is easily accessible from Imola railway station. Until further notice, cycling on the route is not recommended. The railway station is approximately 700 metres from the city centre; the centre can be reached on foot in around ten minutes. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether culture, cycling, green spaces, motor racing or cuisine should be the focus of your stay.

Parks, Paths and Stargazing

The Parco Acque Minerali is Imola's historic green space and has recreational, sporting, botanical and historical value. In Parco Tozzoni, a gravel path crosses the grounds; it can be walked in its entirety from the entrance on Via Comezzano. In Bosco della Frattona, pedestrian traffic on marked paths is permitted daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Motor Racing and Flavours

Guided tours of the Autodromo di Imola include two laps of the track, a stop on the starting grid and at the Tamburello corner, a visit to the Ayrton Senna monument, as well as access to the Race Control Room and the podium. A culinary tour of the historic centre, bookable on request, includes several tasting stops and a demonstration of Garganelli al pettine, the fresh pasta typical of Imola. The terrace of the Osservatorio Astronomico 'Alfio Betti' is suitable for observing the sky with the naked eye and with binoculars.

More Destinations

For further travel planning, you can also keep Ponte Samoggia, Sassoleone, Scuola, Gaggio Montano, Loiano, Pieve Di Cento, Castel Guelfo Di Bologna and Bologna in mind.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bologna.