Ferrari in Maranello: What to See and How to Experience It
Why Maranello Is More Than a Tourist Stop
Maranello is more than just a stop on the map — it's Ferrari’s hometown and the heart of Italy’s Motor Valley. Since the 1940s, this quiet Emilia-Romagna town has been home to the brand’s headquarters, its racing operations, and the legendary Fiorano test track. For motorsport enthusiasts, visiting Ferrari in Maranello is less about sightseeing and more about stepping inside a living legacy.
This is where Motorsport Lab’s Italy supercar tours begin — not simply with tickets to the museum, but with immersion into the rhythms and rituals of Ferrari’s world.
Learn why Ferrari fans are so devoted in our deep-dive on the Tifosi
The Ferrari Museum: What You’ll Actually See
The Ferrari Museum in Maranello offers an intimate view into the evolution of one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands. Exhibits rotate throughout the year, but visitors can expect to see Formula 1 championship cars, rare prototypes, engineering displays, and tributes to Enzo Ferrari himself.
Unlike many corporate museums, this space is designed to inspire. Highlights often include immersive F1 simulators, limited-production models, and in-depth looks at Ferrari’s road and racing DNA. Visiting mid-week often provides a quieter, more reflective experience.
The Factory & Fiorano Circuit: What’s Off-Limits — And What Isn’t
One of the most common questions: can you tour the Ferrari factory in Maranello? In most cases, the answer is no. Access to Ferrari’s production line is highly restricted and typically limited to VIPs, owners, or those with factory invites. Fiorano Circuit, the private test track behind the factory gates, is also off-limits to the public — but its presence is undeniable.
Fiorano isn’t a showroom—it’s a proving ground. You’ll hear the sound of V12s echo through town. You might catch a glimpse of a prototype tearing through a straightaway. We plan time near Fiorano for a reason—you don’t just visit, you sense it.
Driving a Ferrari in Maranello — What It’s Really Like
Yes, you can drive a Ferrari in Maranello. Several providers offer street-driving experiences, ranging from short 10-minute test drives to longer, guided routes through the outskirts of town. These experiences vary in car selection, route quality, and support — and while they offer the thrill of the badge, the context matters.
Motorsport Lab takes a broader approach, integrating the driving into the larger story of Ferrari’s origins. It’s not just about acceleration — it’s about connection: to the place, the machine, and the legacy.
Automotive Landmarks Nearby
Beyond Ferrari, the region is a playground for performance car fans. Just 30 minutes away in Modena is the Enzo Ferrari Museum, which focuses more on Enzo’s life, early race cars, and the brand’s family history. You’ll also find Lamborghini, Pagani, Ducati, and Maserati all within driving distance, making it possible to create your own curated tour of Italy’s Motor Valley.
Many visitors combine these stops to deepen their understanding of Italian design, engineering, and passion. Motorsport Lab’s curated tours often link these experiences into a broader narrative — one that stretches from Maranello’s heart to the high-performance corners of Emilia-Romagna.
For culinary insights, don’t miss our gourmet guide to Italy’s motorsport capital.
Where to Eat, Stay & Slow Down
When it’s time to pause, you’re in good hands. Maranello offers everything from casual trattorias to fine dining, but a favorite is Cavallino — a revived restaurant by Massimo Bottura, located just across from the factory entrance. For the best mix of style, food, and culture, staying in Bologna (about 45 minutes away) is ideal.
From Bologna, you can easily access Modena, Maranello, and other key stops, while enjoying the comforts of a walkable historic city with excellent cuisine.
Planning Tips: What Most Guides Won’t Tell You
Maranello sees the most visitors in warmer months, especially around F1 season and major Italian holidays. Planning your visit during the shoulder season or mid-week can make for a more relaxed experience around the museum and local shops, even if Ferrari’s testing schedule continues full throttle behind closed gates.
If you’re after something deeper than photo ops — if you want to feel the pulse of Ferrari and the atmosphere of the land that shaped it — that’s where Motorsport Lab shines. We don’t just take you to Ferrari. We show you what Ferrari means.