Imola
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Latest page update: 13 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Table of Contents
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The city of Imola is situated around 30 kilometres south east of Bologna in the northern Italian region of the Emilia Romagna.
An official comune of the Metropolitan City of Bologna province, Imola had a population of 69,855 on 1 January 2022. It reaches a maximum elevation of 47 metres above sea level and covers a total geographical area of 205 square kilometres. |
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What People Ask About Imola
Is Imola worth visiting?
What can you do in Imola?
How do you get to Imola?
What is Imola famous for?
When is the best time to visit Imola?
Related links
Imola Overview
Within the city itself the main sights are the Rocca Sforzesca di Imola, a 14th century castle, and the attractive main square which is called Piazza Matteotti. Imola, although a part of Italy, is best known as the home of the San Marino Formula 1 Grand Prix with the motor racing circuit situated just outside the city centre.
Imola marks the traditional border between the two sub-regions of Emilia and Romagna which these days combine to form the official region. The River Santerno flows to the east of the city centre, with the lands beyond this point and east across to the Adriatic Coast within the Romagna. The sub-region of Emilia lies to the west of Imola and includes large cities such as Bologna, Modena and Parma.
Imola marks the traditional border between the two sub-regions of Emilia and Romagna which these days combine to form the official region. The River Santerno flows to the east of the city centre, with the lands beyond this point and east across to the Adriatic Coast within the Romagna. The sub-region of Emilia lies to the west of Imola and includes large cities such as Bologna, Modena and Parma.
Imola and Da Vinci's Map
When studying images of Imola it's possible that you'll stumble across the ingenious map created by Leonardo da Vinci in 1502, a groundbreaking piece of work that showed a city from an aerial position, believed to be one of the first of its kind in the world. At the time of the map's creation, Da Vinci was under the employ of the notorious Renaissance condottiero Cesare Borgia.
Comune di Imola
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Province: Metropolitan City of Bologna
Region: Emilia Romagna Population: 69,357 (in 2024 - source) Size: 205 km² Elevation: 47 metres Highlights: Rocca Sforzesca, Piazza Matteotti, F1 Circuit Close by: Faenza, Brisighella, Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena, Cervia |
Where to Stay in Imola - My Recommended Accommodation
- Hotel Donatello Imola Located a short drive from the town centre and the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, this modern four-star hotel offers spacious rooms, a wellness centre, and free parking. Guests appreciate the panoramic views, excellent breakfast, and convenient location for business or leisure. €€€ (high-end)
- Hotel Olimpia Situated close to the racetrack and just a few minutes from central Imola, this hotel provides comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and wellness facilities including a gym and sauna. Visitors enjoy the friendly staff, good dining options, and easy access to the city and events. €€ (mid-range)
- Callegherie 21 Boutique B&B Set in the heart of the historic centre, this stylish bed and breakfast features elegant rooms in a restored townhouse. Guests value the attention to detail, high-quality breakfast, and walking distance to the Rocca Sforzesca, Palazzo Tozzoni, and local cafés. €€€ (high-end)
- Agriturismo La Marletta Located on the hillside just outside Imola, this rural property offers rustic rooms with views over the valley and an on-site restaurant. Visitors enjoy the quiet surroundings, traditional cuisine, and short drive into town. €€ (mid-range)
- Imola Residence Positioned near the city centre and railway station, this residence provides spacious apartments with kitchenettes, ideal for longer stays. Guests appreciate the flexibility, cleanliness, and central location for exploring Imola on foot. €€ (mid-range)
Where to Eat in Imola - My Recommended Restaurants
- San Domenico: Located in the centre of Imola, San Domenico is one of the region’s most acclaimed restaurants, known for its refined take on Emilian cuisine. The menu blends tradition and innovation, with dishes such as handmade tortellini, duck breast, and seasonal specialities, all served in an elegant historic setting. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Osteria del Vicolo Nuovo: Tucked away in a side street of the old town, this osteria serves traditional local dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu includes tagliatelle al ragù, slow-cooked meats, and regional desserts, accompanied by a well-chosen wine list. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Gianni: A long-standing favourite in Imola, Trattoria Gianni offers classic home-style Emilia-Romagna cooking in a simple, rustic setting. Known for generous portions and consistent quality, it’s a good choice for relaxed meals with a focus on authenticity. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria Regina Margherita: Situated near the town centre, this informal pizzeria is popular for its wood-fired pizzas, calzoni, and salads. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, making it ideal for casual dinners. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
- Ristorante Le 3 Corti: Found on the outskirts of Imola, this modern restaurant features a menu that mixes classic Italian dishes with creative presentation. Set in a quiet location with a stylish interior, it’s well suited for a peaceful evening out. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Imola Gallery
Places close to Imola
- Bologna (approx. 35 km northwest of Imola): The capital of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is known for its medieval architecture, vibrant food scene, and lively atmosphere. Key attractions include the Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers (Asinelli and Garisenda), and the Basilica di San Petronio. Bologna is also a UNESCO City of Music and offers excellent dining options, particularly for its famous tagliatelle al ragù.
- Faenza (approx. 20 km east of Imola): Known for its rich history in ceramic production, Faenza is home to the Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche, which showcases the town's famous ceramics. The town also boasts historical sites like the Piazza del Popolo and the Faenza Cathedral, making it a charming destination for history and culture enthusiasts.
- Ravenna (approx. 45 km northeast of Imola): A UNESCO World Heritage city, Ravenna is famous for its stunning Early Christian Monuments found in landmarks like the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. The city is also home to the Basilica di Sant'Apollonia in Classe and the Dante's Tomb, making it an essential stop for art and history lovers.
- Dozza (approx. 10 km south of Imola): A picturesque hilltop town famous for its medieval castle, Rocca di Dozza, which houses a wine-tasting room offering local wines. The town's streets are decorated with beautiful murals painted by artists from all over the world, creating a vibrant and artistic atmosphere. Dozza is also known for its excellent local wines, particularly the Sangiovese variety.
- Castel San Pietro Terme (approx. 10 km west of Imola): Known for its historic thermal baths, Castel San Pietro Terme is a spa town that has been a popular destination for relaxation since Roman times. Visitors can enjoy the natural hot springs or explore the town’s charming historic centre. The surrounding hills offer excellent opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.
How to get to Imola
Imola's train station is situated within the city centre: trains run north west to Bologna in around 20 minutes or south-east towards Rimini on the coast in just under an hour. Those two train destinations also represent the cities with the closest airports to the city: the most convenient airport for Imola is Bologna Airport which takes around 40 minutes to reach by car.
Imola has an exit on the main E45/A14 motorway, known as the Autostrada Adriatica which runs from Bologna down to Taranto in the southern region of Puglia.
Imola has an exit on the main E45/A14 motorway, known as the Autostrada Adriatica which runs from Bologna down to Taranto in the southern region of Puglia.
