IMOLA - Bologna

IMOLA Driving Guide

Imola is a beautiful city of 69,938 inhabitants in Emilia-Romagna, and it is located 30 kilometers from Bologna and about 60 from the Romagna coast.

The city was founded by Lucius Cornelius Sulla in 82 BC and quickly became an important center both for trade and agriculture; its name most likely derives from “Castrum Imolae”, first used in the seventh century, and referred to an settlement on the nearby Monte Castellaccio, which then grew to become the city itself.

In antiquity, Imola was alternately governed by Byzantines and Lombards, and later came under the control of the papacy with the Exarchate of Ravenna; during the Middle Ages, it was at war with the Ravennates, Bolognese, and Faentines, and subsequently aligned itself with the Ghibellines.

Many noble families sought to gain control of the city, which was handed over by the Pope to the Alidosi family, which held it until 1424, when it was conquered by the Visconti; after a brief period during which it returned under the control of the Papal States, it was conquered again by the Visconti family and subsequently by the Sforza, and in 1499 by Cesare Borgia.

WHAT TO SEE AND WHAT TO DO

The best way to admire the beauty of Imola is certainly to stroll through its beautiful streets: the Sforzesca Fortress is magnificent, with its arched gateway, the tower with its ancient dungeons, the circular corner towers (modified due to the spread of firearms); currently inside it are exhibited a collection of ceramics and one of weapons, over 600 pieces, dating from the 14th to the 20th century. The Fortress is open for visits on Saturdays and Sundays.
Continuing to walk through the city’s streets, one can see the many noble palaces that characterize Imola, such as Tozzoni Palace, Sassatelli Monsignani Palace or the house of Benvenuto Rambaldi, who was the first to comment on the Divine Comedy.
The Theater and the Municipal Library have been created from the former San Francesco convent, while in the Picture Gallery one can admire beautiful paintings from various eras; also very beautiful is an ancient eighteenth-century pharmacy, perfectly preserved, whose interior features frescoed vaults and period vases, placed on carved wooden furniture.
The oldest center of Imola is that formed by Piazzetta Caduti per la Libertà, Gramsci Square and Matteotti Square, where one can admire the Town Hall and Sersanti Palace, with its characteristic porticoes. Worth visiting is the Cathedral dedicated to St. Cassian, which houses the relics of St. Cassian and St. Peter Chrysologus; the crypt is also very beautiful.
In addition to historical monuments, for motor enthusiasts in Imola there is also the race track, famous worldwide, where both Formula 1 and Superbike races take place, and in summer it is often the venue for concerts by internationally renowned musicians. Inside there is also the monument dedicated to Ayrton Senna.

EVENTS AND MANIFESTATIONS

There are many events in a city like Imola:

throughout the year, at the Comunale Theatre, one can attend a rich theatrical season;
in July the International Folklore Festival takes place, this year in its 26th edition, now considered one of the most important events in the city: groups of artists from all over the world participate in the event to showcase their traditions and culture, in a unique and exciting atmosphere;
always in July the Imola Summer Festival takes place, during which it is possible to listen to internationally renowned musicians who perform at the Imola Piano Academy; in July a Beer Festival is also organized, with food and wine stalls and lots of live music;
throughout the month of november, “Baccanale”, an enogastronomic and cultural review, allows one to savor the flavors of this rich region, all accompanied by shows and cultural meetings.
But being a city of motors, in Imola it is possible to find exhibitions, events, and gatherings dedicated to the world of motors and classic cars, among which are worth remembering “Imola Show Swap”, in mid-September, where enthusiasts can find classic cars, motorcycles, and parts; while in October Imola Classic is held, an event of classic car races on the Imola circuit.

useful Info & Contacts

Tourist Information Office
IMOLA
City Center Gallery
Via Emilia, 135
Tel. +39 0542 602207
turismoimolese.cittametropolitana.bo.it

Town Hall of IMOLA
Via Mazzini, 4
Tel.: +39 0542 602 111
www.comune.imola.bo.it/

USEFUL CONTACTS
A.S.L. (Local Health Authority) Hospital SANTA MARIA DELLA SCALETTA via Montericco 4
Tel.: +39 0542 66 2711

EMERGENCY ROOM Tel. 118