Dozza

The mediaeval village of Dozza, about 45 minutes southeast of Bologna, is one of Italy’s most beautiful. That’s not simply our opinion – it’s official. There’s a designated list of around 330 or so Borghi più Belli d’Italia, and Dozza is on it.

But the village is probably better known for its ‘Festival of the Painted Wall’ (it sounds better in Italian). It’s a biennial event in which prestigious, contemporary national and international artists come to Dozza to … well, paint on the walls of the houses.

The tradition began in the 1960s and continues today, so a visit to Dozza is a visit to a wonderful outdoor gallery.

Dozza consists of two narrow streets - one up ...

... and one down. Both are only a couple of hundred metres long.

But along the length of each, you'll find delights like these.

 

 

Each painting includes the details of who created it and when.

 

Many of the works have been cleverly incorporated into their physical environment.

 

 

 

 

 

What a joy it must be to live surrounded by such beauty.

 

 

Rocca Sforzesca at the top of the village. The fortress, reconstructed in the 15th century, is open to visitors.

And offers views like this over the surrounding countryside. This is an important wine-producing district.

Which explains this very excellent cellar and wine bar in the castle's cavernous basement.

 

We'd gathered in Dozza not only to experience this beautiful village, but also to celebrate Patrizia's birthday.

So after enjoying Dozza's outdoor treats, it was back down the hill for a feast of another kind.

Here, at the Osteria di Dozza.

 

Tanti Auguri, Patrizia!