Dozza: wine, art & romance in Bologna's hills

13/10/2022 - Category: Visit

Dozza is a small middle age village near Imola. It's still not known among tourists, even if it's just 35min far from Bologna, and you need a car to go there.
Why is Dozza a hidden treasure?

Well, in a few km you have a permanent street art museum to visit day and night, a well-preserved castle that also hosts a winery in its basement.

Not enough? Ok, food is great too. Come in to read more.

Dozza Italy Walls Streetart 3 — *Via XX Settembre, the central street of Dozza full of street art and paintings*

Dozza: the most romantic landscape

You arrive at Dozza passing next to farmhouses, peach orchards and Albana's vineyards, a landscape that reminds you of the Tuscany countryside, even if it's just a few minutes from Via Emilia.

Leave the car just behind the middle-aged gate and walk into this out-of-time village. After a few steps, you start to recognize the perfect balance between new and old.

In a typical Medieval village, art becomes an urban landscape and decorates walls, streets and squares, flooding light and colours in every corner.

Goes without saying: it's the perfect place for a day trip if you're on a honeymoon in Bologna.

Dozza Italy Walls Streetart 2 — *Dozza is an open-air museum*

Is Dozza worth visiting?

Dozza, Italy, is absolutely worth visiting.
This charming hilltop town is like an open-air museum, showcasing over a hundred stunning works of art by renowned contemporary artists.
These murals, painted directly on the walls of the town's buildings, create a unique and vibrant atmosphere that blends history, culture, and creativity.

Strolling through its streets feels like walking through a living gallery, making it a must-see destination for art lovers and anyone seeking a truly memorable experience.

Dozza is not a classic tourist town with souvenir shops and coaches of tourists.

If you visit Dozza on the weekend you will certainly find curious visitors, but it's still basically a simple village.

A small grocery, locals playing cards in a bar, and kids who safely play between the colored streets.

Dozza Italy Walls Streetart 5 — *The colored streets and squares of Dozza*

The history of Dozza

Dozza's history dates back to at least 1126, when it was recognized as a castrum, or fortified settlement.

Its strategic location on the border between Bologna and Romagna made it a hotly contested site throughout the Middle Ages.

The town became a battleground for control between Bologna and Imola, as well as between the Guelphs and Ghibellines. Over time, it was also disputed by Romagna's powerful lordships and the Roman Church.

This rich and tumultuous history has left its mark on Dozza, shaping its architecture and cultural identity into the unique gem it is today.

What to visit in Dozza

Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza

Dozza is not just the city of painted walls.

There's also one of the best castles near Bologna.
It was built in 1250 we call it Rocca Sforzesca.

Kids will love its mysteries, like the cutting well and the prisons, and foodies will be amazed by the cuisine with vintage chef tools and fireplace.

After the visit, which takes about 1 hour, what's better than a glass of wine?

Dozza Italy Rocca Castle — *Rocca Sforzesca Castle in Dozza*

Enoteca Regionale

Rocca Basement hosts Enoteca Regionale, local wine promotion board headquarters, where you can find more than 800 labels from all Emilia Romagna.

Albana, Sangiovese, and Pignoletto fill the shelves.
A small selection of Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale of Modena and a wine bar with guided tastings complete your journey into local flavors.

Where to eat in Dozza

There are many romantic restaurants in Bologna, but none of them can beat the view on Dozza's castle.

Book a table at Canè, in the main square, and ask for truffles and porcini mushrooms in season.

If you prefer cozy places that care about the selection of ingredients, go to La Scuderia, just in front of the castle.
Try their tagliata steak with Cervia's salt or tenderloin with porcini mushrooms.

La Scuderia
Via XX Settembre, 53, Dozza (BO)
Tel. 0542 678103
lascuderiadozza.it

Canè
Via XX Settembre, 27, Dozza (BO)
Tel. 0542 679200
ristorantecanet.it

Dozza Italy Scuderia Restaurant — *La Scuderia restaurant in Dozza*

The best way to arrive in Dozza

By car

From Bologna take A14 to Ancona and exit at Castel San Pietro. Then follow to Imola and after Toscanella turn right.

By coach

Get coach 101 from Bologna coach station. Stop in Toscanella and get coach 147 to Dozza. Read the schedule on tper.it

Looking for a perfect day trip outside Bologna?
Enjoy a tour in Ravenna in the morning and then stop in Dozza in the afternoon for aperitivo or dinner with a view of the hills.