Perched on a hill overlooking the valley of the river Sellustra, surrounded by vineyards, Dozza is a medieval village just a short 35 minutes from Bologna. Dizza sits on the border between Emilia and Romagna, classified as one of the “100 most beautiful borghi(historic villages) of Italy.”
I hiked to the small town through farm land and up a steep path to discover Dozza. About 15 minutes tops to get there.
The entrance to Dozza is clearly marked by a massive arched wall. The village is crossed by two main roads, Via XX Settembre and Via De Amicis. What you will see that ia ao unique to this town are painted walls throughout the village. Every two years in September in fact, artists from all over the world gather here to paint the walls of buildings around the town center for the "Biennale del Muro Dipinto."
Both roads take visitors to the massive Rocca Sforzesca the Castle, built in the 13th century as a fortress to dominate and protect the surrounding territory, it later became a noble palace belonging to various local families. Today, it houses a museum where you can visit the old apartments, the prisons, the torture rooms and the walkways on the towers. But perhaps its most attractive feature today is housed in the vaulted basement: the beautiful, well-stocked wine cellar of the Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna, the association that has been promoting the wines of Emilia-Romagna since 1978. Here, visitors can choose among 1,000 labels from 260 regional wine producers and participate in a series of fun and instructional events, including courses, meetings with local producers and tastings with a sommelier.
What a discovery. Well after the hike I felt compelled to stop into the local bakery and pick up some Italian cookies, croissants and head just out of the village to get some Gelato. Quite frankly, the best I've had so far.
Headed back down the steep trail to the farm to see the goats and partake in another familia dinner with the Franzoni’s.
Well it was no disappointment - another tasty dinner tonight with the family - RISOTTO with ham/bacon – fried squash flowers, zuchini and Tiramisu for dessert. Bon appetito! I’m going out there to say – I thought I had had the best Tiramisu in the U.S.A at my friends restaurant, (they are Napolean’s from Italy & Florida )but I’ve had better! Victoria has outdone you -It’s been the best!... THANK YOU Victoria and Davide, Isabella & Charlotte Franzoni. The girls are so adorable – both are fluent in Italian and English with there Mom’s British access. This has been a highlight to our EUROPE trip.
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