Dozza is a provincial town in Bologna (Emilia-Romagna) in northern Italy, famous for its artworks and castle. Dozza’s Castle is home to a wine cellar and local wine products. In the old town, tourists encounter unprecedented images, as all the houses are painted thanks to the Festival of Painted Walls, which takes place every second year. The streets of Dozza are full of colors and images.
Walking through the streets of the old town of Dozza
You enter your car, put music on and leave Bologna and the hustle and bustle of the big city. After a 40′ drive, you arrive in Dozza. Dozza is located 27km south of Bologna and just 6km away from Imola. Don’t forget that the roads in Italy are well-constructed and easy to drive, so you won’t get lost. As you enter, you’ll see a large parking lot where you can park your car. Driving in the city is not allowed tourists, as it is very small and only permanent residents are allowed to drive. Thus, you have no choice but to explore the narrow streets of the old town on foot. You’ll see a large square in front of you… This is Dozza’s Piazza Zotti! The road you can follow is either in front of you, in the alleys with the beautiful “paintings on the walls” or behind you, in the castle!
Check here the flights for Bologna, the closest airport to Dozza!
There are many accommodations to stay in. Definitely a good suggestion would be to choose one near the castle, from which you can enjoy the view around Dozza.
Check here all the available options for your stay!
Undoubtedly, you are in one of the most picturesque areas of Italy, where the houses and shops you encounter are like an open gallery. Looking at the painted houses you’ll think they are museums entrances. Well, no! The houses are inhabited by people who live there and every two years, in September, a painting festival is held on the walls of the houses of the city by famous painters from all over the world. This means that the paintings in Dozza’s houses are temporary and every other year a new painter exhibits a new artwork. This tradition remains since 1960.
A walk in the towers of Dozza
The castle behind us is called Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza and was named after the daughter of the Duke of Milan Cathrerina Sforza, who started designing the castle. The Annual Wine Festival is also held there and many of its products are kept in the basement of the castle. There, you can buy local wine and other products. The whole castle inside and outside does not lose its medieval tone. The castle of Sforza unfolds a story which presents its medieval cuisine or the murals of the prisoners.
Tip: If you like photos and you walking doesn’t tire you, don’t forget to visit Castel San Pietro Terme, in Emilia-Romagna! The landscape will enchant you!
A cute picteresque place like Dozza connects art with nature. As art becomes one with nature, the meaning of its history and the lifestyle of the locals unfolds. Dozza on its own is an example of how few things the artist needs in order to bring art closer to us. Visiting this unusual and at the same time beautiful destination is totally recommended!
Check here how you can reach Dozza via train or bus.
By Anastasia Moraiti
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