Discover the Colourful Medieval Village of Dozza, Italy
Dozza is a wonderful surprise. Medieval streets filled with colourful murals, one of Italy’s best Enotecas, an ancient fortress, and surrounding vineyards make this a must-visit on any Bologna trip. Here’s what to see, know and do in Dozza.
Updated April 2024
You've probably never heard of Dozza, but that's okay - it's just another beautiful Italian hilltop village. Except it isn't.
Dozza is different. Surprising even. A fact we discovered on our recent late autumn visit.
Located amongst the rolling hills and endless vineyards outside of Bologna, Dozza has a pretty little secret which makes it a 'must-see' for anyone visiting Bologna, Imola and even Florence.
You see, Dozza is home to the Biennale del Muro Dipinto (Biennial of the Painted Wall), a festival of contemporary art that uses the ancient facades of Dozza as the canvas. Houses, arches, churches, porticoes, streets and squares are home to over 100 contemporary art pieces. It's, for this reason, been named one of the 'most beautiful towns in Italy'.
The result is a mesmerising open-air art gallery that will leave you in awe.
Of course, it wouldn't be a typical Italian village without its fair share of other attractions, including a middle-aged Fortress, an exceptional wine cellar (Enoteca), and a variety of top restaurants.
But really, it's the murals that shine colourfully in Dozza, and should be reason enough to visit this hidden gem.
Visit this charming village yourself with our guide to Dozza, complete with what to see, eat and know before visiting, and transport options.
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DOZZA | THE SHORT OF IT
WHERE | Emilia Romagna, Italy
WHEN TO VISIT | Mid-September
HOW TO GET THERE | Rental car from Bologna, or bus + taxi
WHAT TO SEE & DO | The murals of Dozza, wine tasting, Dozza Fortress, hiking
WHERE TO EAT | La Scuderia, La Bottega
WHERE IS DOZZA?
The commune of Dozza is located in the Provence of Bologna, about 45 minutes from the Emilia Romagna capital.
Its proximity, close to both Bologna and Imola (and even Florence), makes it an ideal day trip for those visiting Bologna.
WHEN TO VISIT DOZZA
We recommend visiting Dozza in September when the weather is still warm and the surrounding vineyards are still picturesque but without the summer crowds.
The Biennale del Muro Dipinto (Biennial of the Painted Wall) also occurs in September (in every other year).
We do recommend arriving at the village early, at around 9 am to enjoy the village before the crowds begin the arrive.
WHAT TO SEE, EAT AND DO IN DOZZA
ADMIRE THE FAMOUS MURALS OF DOZZA
Dozza is charming enough - its cobblestone streets, historic architecture and pastel-coloured walls are enough to make any self-respecting traveller swoon, especially those with a love of all things Italy.
But Dozza is more than just charming; the town itself is an incredible open-air art gallery.
In 1960, the town established the Biennale del Muro Dipinto (Biennial of the Painted Wall), a festival of art that showcases contemporary and modern art, not just on canvas, but on the very walls of the town. Since its inception, there have been over 100 works painted on the town walls.
Every two years, 200+ artists travel from all around the world to create and showcase their work in the open-air art gallery. Thus, the streets of Dozza are completely covered in murals of all types, giving the town an eclectic feel.
The festival itself usually occurs in mid-September (the last edition was in 2021 - details here), when the streets and fortress come alive with events, exhibitions, concerts, as well as art. You can even hear directly from artists as they discuss their work.
We found ourselves wandering aimlessly for hours, admiring each and every mural that adorns the walls Dozza. We were amazed by the sheer size and intricacy of many of the works - some were neo-renaissance masterpieces, others more subtle and understated.
If you have time, we suggest you do the same, arriving early to avoid the crowds and have this incredible town and its famous murals all to yourself.
THE DETAILS
Where | Dozza, Emilia Romagna
Opening Hours | All day, every day
Cost | Free/open air
SIP EXCEPTIONAL WINE AT ENOTECA REGIONALE DELL'EMILIA ROMAGNA
Emilia Romagna, like much of Italy, is home to some of the best wineries in Europe, if not the world.
It's in these surrounding hills that varietals such as Sangiovese and Albana were born, so it's no surprise to find Enoteca's (wine store) in just about every village.
What makes Dozza's Enoteca stand out though, is not just its position in the cellars of the medieval fortress of Rocca Sforezesca, although that is wonderfully cool.
Rather, it's the fact that it is home to Emilia Romagna's regional wine headquarters. Here, amongst this beautifully restored cellar, you will find over 600 labels, personally selected by a group of local wine experts, meaning you'll find the best regional **wine here, ready for tastings or purchase.
The Enoteca Regionale dell Emilia Romagna is divided into rooms based on wine type - white, red and sweet, with tastings possible on a variety of wines, or via the innovative wine tasting machine, which houses a selection of white, red and sweet wines.
We highly recommend trying Lambrusco, a local sparkling red that is perfect for summer afternoons, the Romagna Albana, delicious white wine from the surrounding hills, and the Passito, an Italian sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes.
For larger groups, there's also a wine bar that hosts wine tastings which are run by professional sommeliers from the region (book in advance).
THE DETAILS
Where | Piazza della Rocca, Dozza
Opening Hours | Tues - Friday, 9:30am - 1300, 1500 - 1900. Sat - Sun, 10am - 1300, 14:30 - 1900 (Monday closed)
Cost | It's free to enter the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, however, there is a fee for wine tasting
EXPLORE ROCCO SFORZESCA, DOZZA'S MEDIEVAL FORTRESS
While the painted walls of Dozza are the town's main drawcard, Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza, its medieval fortress, is absolutely worth a visit.
The imposing burnt-orange fortress walls have stood here since the 13th century, protecting the town and surrounding areas through centuries of war.
However, the current structure of the fortress has been in place since the 15th century, when Caterina Sforza, daughter of the Duke of Milan, and wife to the Lord of Imola, commissioned a refurbishment to include defensive towers, moat and merlons.
During the Renaissance period (the 1500's), the fortress was converted into a noble residence, and this is what you see today when touring the grounds.
Highlights include the historic kitchen, complete with antique cookware, the noble apartments, and the third-floor loggia, which houses historic frescoes.
From the castle towers, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Dozza's narrow laneways and rooftops, and the surrounding hills & vineyards - reason enough for the entry ticket.
THE DETAILS
Where | Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza
Opening Hours | (Summer) Mon - Sat, 10am - 1300, 1400 - 1900. Sun, 10am - 1900. (Winter) Mon - Sat, 10am - 1300, 1400 - 1800. Sun, 10am - 1930.
Cost | €5,00 pp
SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA IN DOZZA
Often overlooked by those more interested in the art-covered walls, the small church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piscina, located opposite the Palazzo Communale, is worth a quick stop.
The church is of medieval origin but was rebuilt in the 15th century and restored in the 1940s, retaining its fifteenth-century stone altar. Step inside and admire the simple yet beautiful church, an altar, and walls adorned with a variety of colourful artwork on the walls.
The Florence Duomo this is not, but it's still a worthy stop on your walk around Dozza.
ENJOY THE REGIONAL WINERIES
Wine lovers rejoice (read - us!).
On top of the Enoteca Regionale dell 'Emilia Romagna, there's the Dozza wine path, a 6.5km hike taking in the best local vineyards and wineries.
The hike is simple, the path picturesque, and the wines exceptional, making it an enjoyable afternoon out for visitors to Dozza.
Some of the wineries you'll encounter include:
WHERE TO EAT (AND DRINK) IN DOZZA
You're in Emilia Romagna, one of the foodie havens on planet earth, so you can be sure to find incredible food (and wine) in Dozza and its surroundings.
Within the town itself, there is a range of traditional restaurants to satiate your hunger.
We recommend Ristorante La Scuderia, located on Piazza Rocca, for an excellent Tagliatelle al Ragu, or Ricotta Tortelli with butter and sage for vegetarians. If you're a meat-eater, there is a wide variety of tasty meals.
For a more modern take on Italian cuisine, La Bottega is another gem. Try the delicious carbonara tortelloni.
For an escape from wine, visit the Hills Cocktail Bar (summer only), located in the hills just a short walk from Dozza (next to Ristorante Via Vai). Come for the views at sunset, stay for the Aperol Spritz.
Finally, if you're after a coffee in town (like Mim was!), Caffè Bianco is your best option. Here, you can enjoy an espresso and cream brioche before getting on your way.
DOZZA TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
HOW TO GET TO DOZZA
Unless you have a car, Dozza isn't the easiest town to visit. Public transport can take over 1.5 hours and includes multiple stops - however, it is possible, as highlighted below.
CAR
We highly recommend renting a car to visit Dozza.
With a drive time of 45 minutes from Bologna, it is quick and easy to visit the town and other regional attractions with your own vehicle.
There's also a free parking space just outside the village walls, which you can find here.
To hire your own vehicle, click here
NOTE | Driving in Italy is not without its, let's say, challenges. The roads are wonderful, but the driving is sometimes less so. In short, if you're hiring a car, just be careful on the roads.
BOOK | Comprehensive, affordable car rental from Bologna
BUS
Although there isn't a direct route, it's possible to catch the bus from Bologna to Dozza.
Catch the 101 bus from Bologna Autostazione to Imola Autostazione, at which point we recommend taking a taxi to the village (€15,00 pp).
Alternatively, get off in the small town of Toscanella (1 hr journey).
Once in Toscanella, you will need to change to the 147 bus towards Monte Del Re Campi Da Tennis, hopping off in the town of San Lorenzo (9 mins), before walking five minutes to Dozza. The 147 bus is available by request only (call: 051 290 299), so we'd steer clear of this option if possible.
For tickets and more information, click here
TRAIN
With the exception of driving, the easiest way to get to Dozza is via train from Bologna Centrale.
Trains run regularly between Bologna Centrale and Imola (20 - 30 min trip), at which point we recommend taking a taxi to the village (€15,00 pp).
Alternatively, the 147 bus is available by request only (call: 051 290 299), so we'd steer clear of this option if possible.
WHERE TO STAY IN DOZZA
Given Dozza’s popularity as a day trip destination, we'd suggest staying in Bologna.
However, if you want to enjoy the town and its surroundings over a few days, here are some wonderful options.
Locanda Dolcevita is the best option in town, with a central location, clean rooms and wonderful views making it ideal for an overnight stay.
Hotel Dozza is the next best option. This 3* property is basic yet affordable, yet located 6 kms outside of town.
Alternatively, If you’re looking for where to stay in Bologna, you can book an accommodation of any type or budget in Bologna here.
OUR BOLOGNA POCKET GUIDE
Our Bologna City Guide is a curated travel guide, designed to be downloaded to your phone and used as your trusty companion when exploring the city.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find our recommendations on the best things to see, eat and drink, places to stay, and things to know, gathered over many trips to Bologna.
BUY NOW | Bologna City Guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN ITALY
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Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
PLANNING A TRIP TO BOLOGNA SOON?
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
BEST OF BOLOGNA | 12 incredibly awesome things to do in Bologna, Italy, Where to stay in Bologna, Bologna Travel Tips
BOLOGNA’S TWIN TOWERS | Our guide to Bologna’s famous Asinelli Tower
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WAY TO KNOW ITALY | Hiking the Via Matildica in Italy’s Emilia Romagna
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world? Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
EXPLORE ITALY WITH OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDES
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