Nature

The area surrounding Imola offers many occasions to go on excursions, either crossing the plains towards the seaside or slowly following the rolling country-side hills covered by orchards and vine-yards, perhaps even stopping for a glass of good wine or to buy a jar of honey. For those who love trekking or horseback riding we suggest to follow the deep valley which was created by the River Santerno, where after every curve the landscape changes: steep clay ravines, the large rocks of gypsum, and further on into the valley century old chestnut trees, durmast and beech woods inhabited by wild boar and deer can be admired.

For those who remain in town, the park Acque Minerali is a perfect place to take walks and admire this antique park which was created in 1830 around the mineral springs which also gave it its name. Various generations have grown up in this park, from the children playing in the playgrounds, to romantic walks, to bringing the children to run around under the shade of century old trees, or taking long bike rides. The top of Monte Castellaccio, the heart of the park, was the area of the first prehistoric settlements. Instead for sport lovers this park is associated with the various races that are held in the "Enzo & Dino Ferrari Racetrack". The racetrack in fact unwinds in and around the park. One of the most aristocratic parks of Imola is probably the "Tozzoni Park", which extends over the first hills south-west of the town. The park was where the noble family of the Tozzoni Counts had enlarged their property and created an English styled park at the end of the 19th century. Throughout the years the park has maintained its original structure with various species of trees, while the wide lawns are favourite picnic areas or for improvised football matches.

The "Bosco della Frattona", which extends over 19 hectares, is located to the west of the town and is very different in style than the previously mentioned. This park is an interesting example of an antique forest which once covered all the area of the plains. Here a vast assortment of trees and vegetation can be found: oaks, hornbeams, maples and hawthorns. To preserve this valuable ecosystem, in 1984 this forest became part of the nature reserve, so that any intervention by man is only to study the scientific evolution of nature.