Hollywood, Horsepower, and the Art of the Perfect Pit Stop: A Journey Through Emilia-Romagna
In the world of cinema, the pursuit of the perfect setting is often as captivating as the story itself. And when it comes to the intersection of Hollywood, horsepower, and culinary delights, Emilia-Romagna emerges as the ultimate destination for film enthusiasts and car aficionados alike. This region, nestled in the heart of Italy, has become the backdrop for some of the most iconic films about the legendary car brands Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this convergence is the personal connection between the stars of these films and the region's culinary delights. Patrick Dempsey, for instance, made a midnight request to chef Jessica Rosval at Casa Maria Luigia, a country house in Modena, for pizza by the pool. This collision of major celebrity, fast cars, and delicious food makes Emilia-Romagna the ideal post-Venice pit stop for auto-film lovers.
The region's proximity to the home bases of Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini is no coincidence. Michael Mann's 'Ferrari', which premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2023, was filmed largely in Modena. Bobby Moresco shot parts of 'Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend' around Bologna and Pieve di Cento, then returned to Bologna and Modena for 'Maserati: The Brothers', starring Al Pacino and Anthony Hopkins. Producer Andrea Iervolino connects all three films, creating a cinematic tapestry that weaves together the region's rich history and culture.
From Venice Santa Lucia, a high-speed train takes you to Bologna in about 90 minutes. Begin your journey at the Fountain of Neptune, whose trident inspired the emblem Mario Maserati designed for the company, first used in 1926. Stay at I Portici Hotel Bologna, a short walk from Bologna Centrale, inside the historic Maccaferri Palace. Its Michelin-starred restaurant occupies the restored Eden Theater, an 1899 café-chantant with its intact Liberty-style frescoes.
The Automobili Lamborghini Museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese is about 40 minutes away. Its collection ranges from the Miura and Countach to contemporary hybrids, while VIP tours take visitors onto the production lines. Ferruccio Lamborghini grew up in nearby Renazzo, and Bologna and Pieve di Cento supplied locations for Moresco’s film. In Modena, check into Casa Maria Luigia, Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore’s country house and a discreet base during the filming of 'Ferrari'.
What makes this region particularly fascinating is the interplay between its rich automotive history and its culinary prowess. The Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena showcases a collection of Ferraris owned by music legends, including Herbert von Karajan's 250 GT Lusso and Eric Clapton's one-off SP12. Meanwhile, the Umberto Panini Maserati Collection unites both obsessions on the Hombre dairy farm, where historic Trident cars share the grounds with Parmigiano Reggiano production.
But the true magic of Emilia-Romagna lies in its ability to blend the past and present seamlessly. Casa Maria Luigia, for instance, offers guests the chance to play records from Bottura's collection of thousands of albums, find snacks and desserts in the communal kitchen, take a Pasta Studio class ending in a shared lunch, and explore the garage 'toy chest'. The estate acetaia holds more than 1,400 barrels, while breakfast is designed to recall the Christmas mornings of Bottura's childhood. 'We call it casa because it's home,' he says.
In my opinion, Emilia-Romagna is not just a destination for film enthusiasts and car aficionados; it's a place where the past and present come together to create a unique and captivating experience. From the historic car museums to the Michelin-starred restaurants, every corner of this region tells a story. And what makes it truly fascinating is the personal connection between the stars of these films and the region's culinary delights. It's a place where Hollywood, horsepower, and the art of the perfect pit stop converge to create a truly unforgettable experience.
