We had only just returned from a visit to Brisighella, southeast of Bologna, when we read a report describing it as one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy. Not only on the official list of ‘I Borghi più belli d’Italia’ but, according to the writer, close to the top. We’re not sure we’d rate Brisighella quite that highly, but certainly it’s a pretty town with plenty of charm.

We’d gone to Brisighella to see the ‘Three Hills’, three rocky peaks surrounding the small medieval village. And if there’s a rocky peak in Italy, you can be sure there’s a significant monument atop it. In Brisighella’s case, it’s the Fortress, the Clock Tower and the Sanctuary of Monticino.