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The best things to do in
Maranello

Language:   Italian

Currency: EUR

Sales Tax: 22%

Located in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, Maranello is one of the most interesting towns in the whole of Italy. While the town’s name doesn’t immediately spring to mind when thinking about the great attractions of Italy, the city is well-known to many thanks to cars.

Maranello is home to the world-famous Ferrari and the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team. It is a top destination for many Formula One, and Ferrari fans, and thousands visit the Ferrari Museum and factory each year. But it isn’t just Ferrari who calls the location home. The region is also home to other famous automakers, including Lamborghini, Maserati, and Pagani.

However, there is more to do in Maranello than just explore the wonders of Ferrari and other automakers. The nearby cities of Bologna and Modena provide travelers with an assortment of sights and exceptional cuisine. Here are the best places to visit and things to do in Maranello:

Some of the best things to do in Maranello

Ferrari Museum and Factory Tour

Ferrari Museum and Factory Tour

The museum features rotating exhibits, each telling a fascinating story. Be sure to watch our video tour of the museum to get an idea of what to expect. But note that what you see during your visit will be a little different.

After learning about the company, visitors can enjoy an espresso at the café or search for a souvenir from the shop. You can also embark on the factory tour. The shuttle bus tour will take you to the Fiorano race track and into the heart of the factory. Visitors will remain on the shuttle during the tour as a guide talks about the history of the Italian car maker.

Lamborghini Museum

Lamborghini Museum

As the museum's website states, the experience takes you to the heart of the brand. Lamborghini fans will be delighted at all the iconic models on display. These include legendary cars like the Sesto Elemento, Veneno, Reventón, and the Countach.

You can also take a factory tour during your visit, but note that this has strict rules. The museum is relatively small, so the visit should be quick unless you're a superfan. Don't leave without picking up merchandise from the museum's store.

Bologna

Bologna

Torre Degli Asinelli, one of Bologna's leaning towers, is a short walk from Piazza Maggiore. You can climb to the top for a bird's eye view of the city. Bologna is also home to some of Italy's best museums and galleries. These include the National Art Gallery and the Carpigiani Gelato Museum.

Modena

Modena

While Modena isn’t as well-known as Bologna, it is gorgeous in its own right. Just 20 minutes away from Maranello, the city has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. However, Modena is far more famous because it is the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari.

Autodromo Di Modena

Autodromo Di Modena

Anyone curious about driving on a track should visit Autodromo Di Modena. There, you can rent a GT car and drive on the circuit. You can also take your own car or motorbike and test it out on the circuit. It is a great way to experience a real race track, even if you are only a novice driver. You can take a specialized sports driving course at the track to take things further. It will teach you the secrets used by elite race car drivers.

Horacio Pagani Museum

Horacio Pagani Museum

The museum also has plenty of information about its founder, Horacio Pagani. Any fan of the combustion engine should consider stopping by the museum. Something worth noting is that the Pagani factory is in the same location. You may be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of an unannounced hypercar returning to the factory after a test drive. We certainly did during our visit.

Salse di Nirano

Salse di Nirano

Castello di Levizzano

Castello di Levizzano

Castello di Levizzano (Levizzano Castle) is located on a walled elevation in Levizzano Rangone, 14 minutes away from Maranello. Initially used as a military fortress, it was later converted into a residence. This happened after the Bishop of Modena gave it to the Marquis Bonifacio of Tuscany. Subsequent renovations and restoration efforts resulted in a mix of different architectural styles.

Today, Levizzano Castle attracts tourists curious to learn about its past. The main attraction is the Matildic Tower. It served as a chapel before it was deconsecrated.

The castle also has other interesting parts to explore. These include the courtyard, the gardens, and Stanze dei Vescovi on the ground floor. Stanze dei Vescovi has an elaborate fresco ceiling dating back to the 16th century.

Also present in the castle is the Rosso Graspa Museum of Wine and Rural Society. The museum displays various ancient agricultural tools, many of which were used for grape processing.

Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti

The Pavarotti Home Museum (Casa Museo Luciano Pavarotti) is only 15 minutes away from the center of Maranello. It offers visitors information about the maestro's life. The building was designed according to Pavarotti's instructions and has a collection of his opera costumes on display.

Other exhibits include photographs, videos, and numerous awards. While visiting, you should stop by Ristorante Pavarotti next door for some exquisite Italian cuisine.

Imola Circuit

Imola Circuit

After many safety updates, the track is now a regular circuit on the F1 calendar. It also hosts world superbikes and GT racing. Despite being modernized, Imola maintains most of its classic features.

Osteria Francescana

Known for its innovative approach to traditional Italian cuisine, the restaurant blends contemporary techniques with classic flavors, creating a wonderful dining experience. The three Michelin-starred restaurant has been repeatedly ranked among the World's 50 Best Restaurants.

The tasting menus at Osteria Francescana often feature dishes inspired by the chef's personal memories and cultural heritage.

 

Maranello’s location in the Motor Valley gives you the chance to visit some of the most iconic auto factories and museums in the world. With Bologna and Modena nearby, combining a great Italian holiday with a need for speed isn’t difficult.

Weather

Tortellini

Local Favorite: Tortellini

Tortellini is a popular authentic dish found around the Maranello area. Ring-shaped pieces of pasta are stuffed full of meat such as pork, prosciutto, or mortadella. In addition, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, nutmeg, and eggs are added before the dish gets served in a broth. You can buy freshly made tortellini at markets around Maranello to cook at home. But many restaurants in Maranello make their own freshly made tortellini every day. According to legend, an innkeeper from a small town outside of Bologna created tortellini after being inspired by Venus's navel. The innkeeper was so spellbound by Venus's naval that he rushed to the kitchen to cook.

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