7 Villages in Emilia-Romagna You'll Fall in Love With
In the heart of the Val Trebbia, described by Hemingway as 'the most beautiful in the world', Bobbio is an ancient town featuring an abbey, the Saint Columbanus Basilica and the famous Old Bridge.
The old section of Castell'Arquato has pretty much retained the appearance it had in the Middle Ages. Here you can see the Collegiata, which dates to the 8th century.
A well-preserved example of fortified medieval borgo, Vigoleno is dominated by the 10th century castle (pictured) which I highly recommend for a visit.
A medieval walled town in the Taro Valley near the Parma Apennines, Compiano is home to the Castle of Compiano, built in the early Middle Ages, once thought to belong to the powerful Malaspina family.
Approximately 45 minutes from Bologna, tiny Dozza is famous for its painted walls and as the home of the Enoteca Regionale Emilia-Romagna, a paradise for wine lovers housed inside the Rocca, where you can find all the wines produced in the region.
The unique Via degli Asini in Brisighella, a delighful day trip from Bologna, Ravenna or Florence. Brisighella dates to the Middle Ages and produces an excellent olive oil.
Beautiful San Leo in Romagna is home to a fortress in a spectacular position on top of a rocky spur, while the village itself has a number of interesting historic sights, such as the Romanesque-style Cathedral.
We begin our month dedicated to the wonderful region of Emilia-Romagna (yes, I'm partial to it because I live here) with a round-up of seven of its most charming villages. Often easily reachable as day trips from major local cities like Bologna, Parma and Rimini, these tiny borghi have managed to retain an authenticity and a slow pace of life that you'll no doubt appreciate. Our selection spans the entire region, from the province of Piacenza in the north-west to the province of Rimini in the south-east. Enjoy!
