Bologna guide in Motor Valley style: museums, collections, experiences, shopping, and other adventures
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.
Borgo Panigale Experience
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!
The Industrial Heritage Museum
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.
Ducati Dream Tour
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…
Bolognese collections
Photos from the exhibition “Bolognese Motorcycles of the 1950s-1960s,” Industrial Heritage Museum.
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:
Targa Maserati, Vicolo Pepoli No. 1
We also recommend, for street art enthusiasts, three beautiful murals hidden in the province of Bologna. Two of them are dedicated to Ayrton Senna: one in Imola, created by artist Stefano Pierotti, who is also the author of the stunning monument to the Brazilian driver at the Parco delle Acque Minerali – inside the Imola circuit – and another in Castel Maggiore, painted by Fabio del Monte, known as Fabieke. Lastly, there’s a mural depicting a series of Formula 1 legends, created by artist Andrea “Fungo” Pelliconi in Toscanella di Dozza. Senna also appears here, an unforgettable hero in these parts. In fact, even a city roundabout has been named after him, joining the previously mentioned Miura roundabout in Sant’Agata Bolognese. Two icons of motorsport whose names now grace two stretches of asphalt: a fitting choice. An ongoing declaration of love from the city toward motors and their legends.
Memorabilia and style: taking home a piece of the Motor Valley
If you’re on the hunt for gadgets or clothing to feel the Motor Valley on you even when you’re far from Bologna and Emilia-Romagna, you’re in the right place. Lamborghini and Ducati, in fact, offer a wide range of products in their official stores, which you can find in the area around their respective headquarters that we mentioned at the start of the guide, in Sant’Agata Bolognese and Borgo Panigale.
If you’re looking for something more vintage, here’s our recommendation for a stop a bit off the radar: Saragozza Vintage Shop. In this emporium of memorabilia of all kinds, you might find a museum-worthy gem related to motorsport. If you try searching their eBay profile for keywords like ‘Lamborghini’, ‘Ducati’, ‘Ferrari’, ‘Maserati’, you’ll get an idea of the items available: old stickers, trading cards, brochures, models, clothing, caps, keychains, coins, posters… It might also be worth taking a stroll through the antique and vintage markets that periodically pop up in the area.
However, we can’t help but point out the perfect opportunity coming from September 19 to 21, 2025: the return of the Mostra Scambio at the Imola Racetrack, organized by the Club Romagnolo Auto e Moto d’Epoca. It’s one of the most important events in Europe for collectors of vintage cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, with over 2,000 exhibitors present on the track and in the paddock. Spare parts, memorabilia, accessories, vintage vehicles: a paradise for enthusiasts of the genre.
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.
BOLOGNA EVENTS 2025
Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2025
The Motor Valley on display at BolognaFiere: a must-see event for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts.
BolognaFiere
Racing in Frame Exhibition 2025
A full photographic immersion into the history of Gresini Racing, a MotoGP team based in Faenza.
Museo Checco Costa
Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 – 2025
Among the hills of Varignana, the event dedicated to the celebration of design, engineering, and the passion for classic cars is coming.
Palazzo di Varignana
Imola Mostra Scambio Crame 2025
One of the most important events in Europe for collectors of vintage cars, motorcycles, and bicycles returns to Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Historic Minardi Day 2025
An event dedicated to fans and the world of F1 collectors, single-seaters in general, prototypes, GT cars, and historic vehicles.
Autodromo di Imola
Campionato Italiano Velocità 2025
Motorcycles take center stage in Imola for the second-to-last round of the Campionato Italiano Velocità.
Autodromo di Imola
ACI Racing Weekend September 26-28 2025
The Italian championships on four wheels return to Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
ACI Racing Weekend August 1-3 2025
The Italian championships on four wheels return to Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Imola Classic 2025
The Imola Circuit will host the Imola Classic once again, a racing event featuring cars that have written legendary chapters in motorsport history.
Autodromo di Imola
Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix 2025
The history and future of Formula 1 come together in Imola for the first European round of the World Championship.
Autodromo di Imola
European Le Mans Series 2025
An unmissable weekend for motorsport enthusiasts returns to Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Wec 6H of Imola 2025
The FIA WEC World Endurance Championship stops at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari for the 6 Hours of Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Duathlon Sprint 2025
The seventh edition of the event organized by Imola Triathlon arrives at the Autodromo di Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
WOW Women Motor 2025
The event dedicated to the role of women in the Automotive industry is coming to Imola for International Women’s Day.
Autodromo di Imola
Targa AC Bologna 2025
The legendary Targa AC Bologna returns to the hills of Bologna.
Bologna
Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705
After last year’s debut, the second edition of the Concorso d’Eleganza Varignana 1705 is coming up, from 27 to 29 September at the Palace of Varignana.
Palazzo di Varignana
Festival Lamborghini Arena
Hundreds of Lamborghinis from all around the world will take center stage during the track weekend.
Autodromo di Imola
Ferrari Finali Mondiali
Returning two years later to the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo and Dino Ferrari are the Finali Mondiali Ferrari, scheduled to take place in Imola from October 16-20, 2024.
Autodromo di Imola
Giro dei Tre Monti 2024
A classic of national running, the Giro dei Tre Monti (Three Mountains Tour) is in its 55th edition this year, and as always, the Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Autodrome is the scene of the start and finish of the event.
Autodromo di Imola
CIV Campionato Italiano Velocità Moto
The Italian Motorcycle Speed Championship (CIV), consisting of six double tests, concludes in Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Imola Green
Imola Green, Sept. 21-22, is the festival that will let you experience firsthand a new, more sustainable, smarter and convenient way of moving through everyday life.
Autodromo di Imola
Imola Mostra Scambio Crame
The 46th edition of the Exchange Show organized by CRAME.
Autodromo di Imola
Historic Minardi Day
Eighth edition of Historic Minardi Day, which confirms the formula: two days in which fans can admire Formula 1 single-seaters on the track and in the pits.
Autodromo di Imola
European Le Mans Series
Among the most important races on the Autodromo calendar, the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) European Le Mans Series (ELMS) is back again in an unmissable weekend.
Autodromo di Imola
Porsche Cup Suisse 2024
The Porsche Sports Cup Suisse, a sports championship for Porsche customers, fits in between the Porsche Sport Driving School Suisse and Porsche single-brand championships for professional drivers.
Autodromo di Imola
Formula 1 Gran Premio dell’Emilia-Romagna
Expectation is growing for the return of Formula 1 at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari.
Autodromo di Imola
WEC 6H di Imola
The 6 Hours of Imola is the second round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), scheduled for 19-21 April 2024.
Autodromo di Imola
Duathlon Sprint
Sixth edition of the event organized by the Imola Triathlon.
Autodromo di Imola
WOW Women Motor
The event dedicated to the role of women in industry and motor sports.
Autodromo di Imola
ACI Racing Weekend
Second appointment at the Imola racetrack with the Italian four-wheel championships.
Autodromo di Imola
Giro dei Tre Monti 2023
A classic of national running, the Giro dei Tre Monti reaches its 54th edition this year and, as always, the Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit is the stage for the start and finish of the event.
Autodromo di Imola
CIV Campionato Italiano Velocità Moto
The Italian Speed Motorcycle Championship (CIV), divided into six double rounds, concludes in Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Go Smart Go Green
The appointment with sustainable mobility is in Imola from 23 to 24 September 2023. For the occasion, the city and the Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit in will open the doors to the future of mobility.
Autodromo di Imola
Imola Mostra Scambio Crame
The 45th edition of the Imola Mostra Scambio organized by Crame (Club Romagnolo Auto e Moto d’Epoca), one of the most important European events for collectors of vintage cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Autodromo di Imola
Historic Minardi Day
Seventh edition of the Historic Minardi Day at Autodromo of Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
GP Fabbi Imola Ciclistica Santerno
The Racetrack hosts the 26th edition of the GP Fabbi Imola, a two-day youth cycling event.
Autodromo di Imola
FIM World Superbike Championship
An exciting weekend of adrenaline and spectacle on two wheels.
Autodromo di Imola
Porsche Cup Suisse 2023
The Porsche Sports Cup Suisse returns to Imola.
Autodromo di Imola
Imola Charity Bike FFC
Appointment in the sign of solidarity on Sunday 28 May with a charity ride promoted by the Delegation of Imola and Romagna of the Foundation for Research on Cystic Fibrosis (FFC Research) and carried out in collaboration with the Municipality of Imola, the Nuovo Circondario Imolese and the International Autodrome Enzo and Dino Ferrari.
Autodromo di Imola
Formula 1 Gran Premio del Made in Italy e dell’Emilia-Romagna
The first European round of the Championship will see the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo and Dino Ferrari of Imola as an extraordinary stage in the year of its 70th anniversary.
Autodromo di Imola
European Le Mans Series
Among the most important races on the Circuit calendar, the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) is back again in an unmissable weekend.
Autodromo di Imola
ACI Racing Weekend April 21-23 2023
First appointment at the Imola racetrack with the Italian four-wheel championships.
Autodromo di Imola
Imola Camper Fest 2023
Camper drivers from all over Italy take to the track during the Imola Camper Fest.
Autodromo di Imola
Duathlon Sprint
Fourth edition of the event organized by the Imola Triathlon.
Autodromo di Imola
#WeRideAsOne: Ducatisti around the world meet to celebrate Ducati passion
Thanks also to the help of the 322 Ducati Official Clubs, many initiatives and activities will give life to a memorable experience under the banner of the Rosse of Borgo Panigale.
Worldwide
Ferrari Finali Mondiali
Grand finale of the season with the best drivers of the four championships in which the single-brand of the Maranello company is divided on the track.
Imola Circuit
Mostra Scambio Crame
One of the most important European events for collectors of vintage cars, motorcycles and bicycles.
Imola Circuit
ACI Racing Weekend September 1-4 2022
Second appointment at the Imola racetrack with the Italian four-wheeled championships.
Imola Circuit
Historic Minardi Day
History goes back on the track. Two days dedicated to fans, collectors and enthusiasts.
Imola Circuit
European Le Mans Series
Six years later, the ELMS European Le Mans Series returns to Imola on the weekend of 14 and 15 May, for the second race of the Championship and the last one in preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Imola Circuit
Duathlon Sprint 2021
Third edition of the event organized by the Imola Triathlon.
Autodromo di Imola
52° Giro dei Tre Monti
A classic of national running, the Giro dei Tre Monti, after the cancellation of 2020, reaches its 52nd edition this year.
Autodromo di Imola
ACI Racing Weekend 2021
Second appointment at the Imola racetrack with the Italian four-wheel championships.
Autodromo di Imola
200 Miglia di Imola Revival & Coppa d’Oro 2021
The historical motorized two-wheel show is back on stage.
Autodromo di Imola
1000 curve
The unit of measure is not the time or the speed, but the number of corners faced.
Misano World Circuit
E-STC Series & Campionato Italiano Energie Alternative ACI Sport
The International Circuit Enzo e Dino Ferrari enters the calendar of the Smart EQ fortwo e-cup 2021, a touring championship entirely dedicated to an electric car by Aci Sport.
Autodromo internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
ACI Rally Italia Talent
For the first time, the Imola Racetrack hosts the ACI Rally Italia Talent.
Autodromo internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
ACI Racing Weekend
First appointment at the Autodromo di Imola with the Italian four-wheel championships.
Imola Circuit
Porsche Cup Suisse
Imola has been for several years an appointment that never misses in the calendar of the Porsche Cup Suisse and…
Imola Circuit
Italian 100 Km Road Championship
La manifestazione, organizzata dall’Asd 100 km del Passatore, non è una corsa sostitutiva della tradizionale Firenze-Faenza, la cui 48esima edizione è stata rinviata al 2022 causa pandemia Covid-19. Il Campionato Italiano 100 km di podismo su strada avrebbe comunque fatto parte dell’edizione 2021, ragion per cui l’Asd 100 km del Passatore ha ideato con la collaborazione di Formula Imola una “special edition” su pista. Il via è previsto alle ore 10 e potranno partecipare atleti delle categorie Seniores e Promesse, in lizza per l’Italiano Assoluto, e dai 35 anni in su per l’Italiano Individuale Masters.
Imola Circuit
Peroni Race Weekend
The Peroni Race Weekend is undoubtedly one of the classic events of the four-wheel panorama of the Imola Circuit. These are the categories on track during the weekend: Coppa Italia Turismo, Campionato Italiano Auto Storiche, Coppa Italia GT Club, 1.6 Turbo Cup, Porsche Club GT.
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Autodromo di Imola
Bologna
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Modena
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Museo Lamborghini
Misano World Circuit
From Perugia to Sant’Agata Bolognese
Misano World Circuit
Arco del Meloncello – Bologna
Museo Patrimonio Industriale
Itinerant
Itinerant
Itinerant
Itinerant
Itinerant
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Imola Circuit
Ferruccio Lamborghini Museum
Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini
Start the engine: a rental adventure
For the more adventurous, we end with an experience that could be the cherry on top of your trip: renting a vehicle to explore Bologna from the city center to its hills. There’s something for every taste and budget. Whether it’s a Lamborghini, a Ducati, or a Vespa, as you venture away from Bologna, you can feel like some important figures from local mythology. Bolognese musicians who have written about this imagery in their songs, probably based on their own experiences on two or four wheels. Enjoy your reading, and if you do decide to go, have a great trip.
You know it’s great to ride the winding road with wings under your wheels!
On your Vespa you will find how freedom feels
Come from the skies your Vespa flies so high to escape the city scene
Let your 50 Special carry you where nobody’s been
Lùnapop, “50 Special”, (1999)
Cesare Cremonini – former lead singer of Lùnapop – and his friends, cruising the streets of Bologna, with wings beneath their feet (source: X profile of @CremoniniCesare).
Or do you want on spring evenings
Don’t get her with a flower
With the car and with gasoline
Maybe go for a ride up the hill
Luca Carboni, Caro Gesù (1987)
Luca Carboni shovels snow from his car in Bologna, after the “snowstorm of the century” in 1985 (source: Luca Carboni’s FB profile).
I turn on the engine, I look in the mirror
And I see reflected with a little pain
Bologna with the red walls behind it
That gradually disappears
I put the arrow and go to the moon
I’m going to see the moon
Lucio Dalla, “Dark Bologna” (2006)
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