Emilia Romagna is known as the motor valley due to its important contribution to Italy’s motor industry. Celebrated names like Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini and Ducati are all produced in Emilia Romagna and the region is also the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari. In addition to manufacturing, the area has a wealth of events and attractions making it a must-visit destination for motoring fans.
Museums & Collections
Emilia Romagna is home to an impressive 9 museums dedicated to the motor industry, including Museo Ferrari which attracts over 200,000 visitors per year. An exciting recent addition to these museums is the musuem dedicated to Enzo Ferrari, which includes his family home as well as his father’s workshop. The museum is a must-see, celebrating the life of this automotive icon.
Here two very good examples:
- The Simoncelli Museum in Coriano, in the hills of Rimini, dedicated to the life and achievements of the great champion, Marco Simoncelli. Along the path through the various exhibition rooms, his fans will enjoy Simoncelli’s career highlights and experience the world of competitive motorcycle racing;
- Museum Checco Costa opened its doors to the public in June 2013. The museum is located inside the Enzo e Dino Ferrari Autodrome in Imola and is dedicated to one of the founders of the circuit who, together with Enzo Ferrari, has made Imola one of the most famous places for international motorcycling.
In addition to the museums, 18 private collections are dotted across the region, housing extremely rare exhibits. One of these is the Righini collection, set up in the medieval castle of Panzano at Castelfranco Emilia. Among the collection is the legendary 815 from 1940, known as the first car built by Enzo Ferrari and the remarkable Fiat Chiribiri from 1912, a very high “cigar” on four wheels, which could reach incredible speeds for the times.
Circuits & Driving Experiences
‘The land of motors’ is home to five racing circuits and speedways, offering a variety of spectator events, test drive experiences, karting and conferences:
‘Imola’ Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari
Situated close to Bologna this impressive track hosts some of the most important races in the Italian automotive calendar such as the Gran Prix d’Italia of the Superbike world championship, and competitions for the Formula 3000 world championship and Endurance. It is also the home of the San Marino Gran Prix of Formula One.
Misano World Circuit
This track lies on the coast of Romagna. Racing events held at Misano include Gran Premio San Marino e Riviera di Rimini di Moto GP (September 9,) the Superbike World Championship(June 29-July1), World Ducati Week(July 20-22). The track also offers speed drive and karting opportunities, hospitality, a restuarant and a swimming pool.
Kartdromo Parma
This track is one of the best facilities for go-karting in the entire region, featuring nine curves and three chicanes.
The Discover Ferrari and Pavarotti Land and the Grand Prix TIM of San Marino and Riviera di Rimini tours both invite travelers to discover this land of fast cars, motorcycles and slow food.
Among events it is worth mentioning
Modena Motor Gallery, September 22-23 (www.motorgallery.it).
Mille Miglia, May 16 -19 maggio, will stop in Milano Marittima, Parma, Ferrara and Comacchio. (www.1000miglia.eu).
Modena Cento Ore, June 5 – 10 (www.modenacentooreclassic.it)
GP Terre di Motor Show Canossa April 19 – 22 (www.granpremioterredicanossa.it).
Motor Show, December 2-10 in Bologna (www.motorshow.it)
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