IMOLA

Imola is the second largest city in terms of population of the Metropolitan City of Bologna, where the care of public spaces and green areas has always been a key element for the City Administration, who longed to grant an enhanced quality of life and well-being even in more residential neighbourhoods. Since 2022, Imola implemented a climate mitigation and adaptation strategy focusing on urban green infrastructure and sustainable mobility.

While identifying the Paths, Imola considered that the train station plays a key role in attracting tourists from Bologna or Ravenna to visit the city. From this context arises the selection of two routes to transform into Cool Paths, both starting from the train station and ending at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack. The Racetrack hosts internationally renowned events, attracting visitors from all around the world, especially during the F1 Grand Prix, and is located a short distance from the historic center and about 1.5km from the train station.

This route is approximately 1.5 km long and follows a linear path using existing cycle-pedestrian connections. It starts at the train station, crosses the historic centre, two central squares Piazza Matteotti and Piazza Gramsci, and the Town Hall. It continues along Viale Dante, which is lined with early 20th-century historic villas, crosses the Santerno River Park, and reaches the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack. This path offers a scenic and accessible route through the city’s main civic and commercial heart, ideal for both tourists and residents, with wide pedestrian areas and strong links to the local cycling network.

This path also starts at the train station, enters the historic centre, and at the touristic point Torre dell’Orologio goes along Via Emilia to reach the Municipal Library with its Historical Archive and Museums, Sforza Fortress surrounded by a green area, Porta Montanara (a historic gate from the ancient city walls), Osservanza Park, Parco Aviatori D’Italia, the River Park, and finally the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack. The route combines cultural and natural attractions with shaded green areas, providing an engaging experience through Imola’s heritage and its most iconic public parks, frequently used for events and open-air gatherings.

This route begins, as well, at the train station and initially skirts the historic centre, highlighting small piazzas, churches, and historic buildings that, while less well-known, still hold significant cultural value. It then moves into more residential and service-oriented areas, including local schools, the city swimming pool, and various sports facilities. Well-connected with existing cycling infrastructure, this path offers a blend of daily urban life and functional green areas. It concludes at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari Racetrack, providing a quieter, community-focused alternative to the more touristic routes.