Writing a comprehensive guide to the province of Bologna in true Motor Valley style is no easy task, given the richness it offers from so many different perspectives. Between its porticoes and rolling hills, the city has given birth to many sons and daughters enchanted by engines. For this very reason, the geography of Bologna’s territory is dotted with places devoted to cars and motorcycles — as well as a loyal crowd of passionate followers.

In the following lines, we’ll try to bring some order to this rich and fascinating map.

On the shoulders of giants: must-see brands, factories, and museums

Lamborghini and Ducati within the span of a province. Without crossing the region’s borders: Ferrari, Pagani, Maserati, Dallara. In Emilia-Romagna, cars and motorcycles flourish to become a unique experience. But let’s focus on the Bologna area and see what the local excellences have created to return the affection and interest of enthusiasts.

Lamborghini: exploring the factory and museums

In Sant’Agata Bolognese stands the temple of the Bull.                                                                                                                                                                                                      Its presence is announced by a monument located at the entrance of the town, in the center of a roundabout. A golden work of art, with sharp lines suggesting speed and dynamism, in true Lamborghini style. Thanks to this, the roundabout has been given a special name: Miura.

Not far from here are the Lamborghini Factory and Museum, both of which can be visited extensively with the help of a guide. From iconic models to a tour of the production lines, not to mention the interactive experience of the new driving simulator: you can find all the details about the visit, including hours, on the dedicated page below, right after the presentation of the latest gem for fans of the iconic brand.

In Funo di Argelato, you’ll also find the Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum. Within its walls, you can explore the entire production of the visionary industrialist and founder of the company: from the first Carioca tractor of ’47 to the futuristic supercars. Again, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit right after this.

Discovering the Ducati World

A small detour to Borgo Panigale for motorcycle enthusiasts: on the outskirts of Bologna is the Ducati headquarters, which, like Lamborghini, includes both a museum and a factory. The historic motorcycle manufacturer from Bologna is just as impressive when it comes to the experiences it offers. The “Borgo Panigale Experience” is, in fact, a 360° exploration, ranging from the museum’s past to the present-day factory where Ducati creations are born. Click the link below if you’d like more details.

The Industrial Heritage Museum

Finally, we highlight one last museum for motor history enthusiasts. Located on Via della Beverara, in the northern outskirts of Bologna, the Industrial Heritage Museum is open from Thursday to Sunday. It is dedicated to the economic and industrial history of the city, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. While not exclusively focused on the history of engines, this aspect plays a significant role in the museum’s exhibitions.

A portion of the exhibit space, titled “The City of Mechanical Culture,” is dedicated to motoring, where three new displays are sure to amaze some of you. Enjoy your visit!

• One hundred years of Ducati: from radio to motorcycles.

• Bolognese motorcycles M.M.: the Tozzi and Mazzetti collection at the museum.

• Motor Valley: one hundred years of history in a docufilm.

Feel the thrill of the track: driving experiences, tours, and exclusive visits

The Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola 

The beating heart of the Bologna area in the Motor Valley, the Imola Racetrack is an epic circuit that has been the stage for legendary feats from the 1950s to today. The tradition continues, with Formula 1, MotoGP, World Superbike Championship, European Le Mans Series, and much more motorsport bringing the track to life every season. But it’s not just about racing: Imola also hosts a rich program of events and exhibitions, such as shows, concerts, fairs, conferences, and gatherings. Keep an eye on our events calendar, or scroll through the guide to discover the events scheduled for 2025 in the Bologna area.

Now, let’s get to the activities we promised to present. The racetrack offers enthusiasts the chance to experience the thrill of the track with a rich calendar of driving experiences. For a more relaxed but equally engaging activity, you might consider a guided tour through the curves of the circuit aboard the “Navetta dei Motori,” or, why not, enjoy a scenic bike ride or walk on the track during the Autodrome’s Open Days.

If you’re lucky enough to coincide your visit with a temporary exhibition at the Checco Costa Multimedia Museum, it’s definitely worth checking out, as it is a unique venue with highly advanced technological equipment. Currently, it is temporarily closed for the setup of a new exhibition space, but depending on when you read this, try to check the situation.

Here are some useful pages.

Ducati Dream Tour

The hills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines aboard your Ducati: this is the wonderful scenery promised by the Ducati Dream Tour. A four-day journey through the enchanting views of the Motor Valley. Want to learn more about the itinerary and the models you could ride, while dreaming with your eyes wide open? You know what to do.

Land of collectors

A recent article of ours opened with the words of journalist Guido Piovene from his Viaggio in Italia (1957), written during his stop in Modena, particularly in the legendary Stanguellini family’s workshop. But even in his pages about Bologna, Piovene encountered motors:

Motorcycles take the lead. It’s the great game of the Emilian plain: every city or village has a sports café, on the threshold of which young men compete for a new motorcycle to take for a test ride, and all conversations are about crazy speeds.

Guido Piovene, Viaggio in Italia (1957)

Nearly 70 years later, more than a few young men haven’t thrown away their old motorcycles. Perhaps that’s why the number of collections open to visitors in the Emilia-Romagna capital is truly surprising? Including those of those who’ve had a love affair with four wheels…

The Bologna of motors and the motors of Bologna: hidden gems and tortellini

Today, Maserati‘s headquarters is in Modena, but as we shared in a story dedicated to founder Ernesto Maserati, the company’s first historic headquarters was in Bologna. More precisely, it was located at Vicolo Pepoli No. 1, just a few steps from Piazza Santo Stefano. While walking through this alley, you’ll find a commemorative plaque on the wall of the building where “on December 1, 1914, the Società Anonima Officine Alfieri Maserati was born.” Once you find it, you’ll be in a great spot to visit the nearby square and other major Bologna attractions: the Seven Churches, Piazza Maggiore and the Basilica of San Petronio, the Asinelli Towers, the Archiginnasio, the National Art Gallery, the Giardini Margherita […]. Or simply to lose yourself in the outdoor life of Bologna’s streets: an attraction without a specific address, just as important as the others. And don’t forget — an unforgivable mistake — eat as the city commands, where tagliatelle and tortellini are as valuable as Ducati and Lamborghini.

Here are some useful links to help you navigate the beauty of Bologna, curated and always up-to-date by Bologna Welcome:

• Places
• Clubs
• Experiences
• Events

Motorsport Events 2025

And why not fit in a lap to experience the adrenaline of the track live? Keep an eye on our calendar, or scroll through the events below.