Emilia-Romagna's hidden gem takes the title of Italy's most captivating small town, overshadowing San Gimignano's fame.
In the heart of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, you'll find the medieval town of Brisighella, a hidden gem that offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Brisighella is situated in a natural amphitheater, leaning against three rocky spurs and nestled amongst rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards. This picturesque setting shines in the summer with abundant gardens and blooming flora, providing ideal scenic walks and panoramic vistas.
Historical attractions abound in Brisighella. The town is home to the Via del Borgo o degli Asini, a covered medieval walkway dating back to the 1300s, built into the hillside and offering a quaint stroll through history. Other highlights include La Rocca Manfrediana, a 14th-century fortress perched atop the town, providing panoramic views and deep historical insights; the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower), an iconic landmark representing the town’s medieval heritage; and the Monte Romano Astronomical Observatory, which adds a modern scientific dimension while located in Brisighella’s territory.
The town is also renowned for its ancient traditions of gypsum extraction, olive oil production, and transhumance. The opportunity exists to encounter shepherds while following the ancient transhumance routes near Brisighella, such as the Via Romea Germanica, one of the routes still passing near the town.
Brisighella's culinary scene is equally enchanting, with gourmet experiences in family-run trattorias serving local pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal vegetables. The town's olive oil and local wines are famous, and open-to-visitor mills in the valley sell the green and fruity olive oil produced from the Nostrana di Brisighella variety, a variety protected by an AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée) in Italy.
Visitors can extend their cultural journey by exploring nearby Faenza, approximately 15 km away. Faenza boasts a rich historical and artistic heritage, with Renaissance and Baroque architecture dominating the city center and notable Neoclassical structures developed in the 18th and 19th centuries. The International Museum of Ceramics (MIC) is a major cultural institution celebrating Faenza’s renowned ceramic craft tradition, while archaeological sites and exhibitions, such as the Palazzo Mazzolani, offer a window into the ancient roots of the region.
Brisighella, with its medieval charm, peaceful rural setting, vibrant local culture, and surrounding classical art, archaeological significance, and natural beauty, makes for a compelling destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts alike. The town is located 50 km from Ravenna, Italy, offering easy access for tourists seeking a unique and enriching Italian experience.
[1] Brisighella Tourism [2] Faenza Tourism [3] Emilia-Romagna Tourism
In Brisighella, travelers can indulge in various lifestyle amenities, such as exploring family-run trattorias offering local cuisine and visiting open-to-visitor mills for a taste of the region's acclaimed olive oil. Home-and-garden enthusiasts will be captivated by the picturesque summer gardens and rolling hills that paint the landscape of Brisighella. In-flights to Emilia-Romagna can easily reach Ravenna, with Brisighella being just 50 km away, providing an ideal destination for those who wish to extend their cultural journey to Faenza, a city renowned for its ceramics and historical architecture.
