A Guide to One day in Dozza: Among Italy’s most beautiful mediaeval villages

Best time to visit Dozza

The best time to visit Dozza, Italy, is in September. Located in the Emilia Romagna region, Dozza enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. While Dozza beckons throughout the year, there is a particular time when its magic is genuinely palpable, when the town basks in the golden glow of September. As summer slowly yields to autumn, September gifts Dozza with a temperate climate.

The sun’s gentle rays caress the narrow cobbled streets, illuminating the intricate artwork adorning the walls, breathing life into the ancient stones. Travellers and locals alike come to Dozza to gather and immerse themselves in the annual Biennale del Muro Dipinto—the Biennial of the Painted Wall.

September is the month of harvest, a time when the vineyards come alive with the labour of winemakers, meticulously handpicking the fruits of their labour. It is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts to indulge in the region’s renowned varieties. If you plan a trip to Emilia Romagna and want to explore Dozza for one day, pick a date between May and October. The best time of the year.

Is Dozza worth visiting?

Yes. Absolutely. We loved visiting Dozza because it was out of the ordinary. However, you will feel something is different when you get into the little village from the arcade of the Palazzo Comunale, with the murals and the fantastic clock arch.

Visiting Dozza in one day expect a calm and relaxing atmosphere with friendly locals and many restaurants promoting local flavours. The time seems to go slowly while in Dozza, discovering the castle, the hiking paths, the cute bars offering exquisite wine.

The cute village is not touristy at all, unless in some part of the year, May and September.

Dozza One day Itinerary

Morning in Dozza

• Enjoy a breakfast in proper Italian style.
• Start your day visiting the Rocca Sforzesca.
• Walk Through Dozza Murals.
• Visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piscina.
• At lunchtime, enjoy a traditional Italian dish Tortelli or Tagliatelle?

Afternoon Activities

• Discover the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna.
• Enjoy a leisurely hike through the “Sentieri del Vino” Exploring Dozza’s picturesque surroundings.

Things to do in Dozza

• Wander through the picturesque streets of Dozza
• Admire the colourful murals
• Visit the Rocca Sforzesca
• Indulge in a wine-tasting experience at the Enoteca Regionale
• Attend the Biennial Exhibition of the Painted Wall
• Take a Walk in the Vineyards on the Sentieri del vino
• Attend a Wine Festival in May
• Visit the Contemporary Art Museum
• Attend a Cooking Class in Dozza (Check this one!)
• Stay in a farm with a local family and learn the secret behind wineries.

Enjoy a breakfast in proper Italian style

You know we can’t make it through the day without a proper breakfast. Well, we are in Italy, and there is no better way to start a new day exploring than sipping an excellent coffee. Check out our guide to the best Italian Breakfast.

We stayed at the “Locanda Dolcevita”, which has a nearby restaurant and is just in front of a coffee shop. One of the best breakfast places in Dozza. Caffe Bianco, or as locals refer to it “Caffe dell’Osteria” is right on Via XX Settembre, the leading road of Dozza’s Murals.

Get a refuelling squeezed orange juice, a nice foam cappuccino and a soft croissant. When we explore Italy, we don’t look just for fresh products and lovely smells but also for courtesy. That’s one of the main selling points of this place in Dozza; such a good way to start a new day exploring Emilia Romagna.

Start your day visiting Dozza Fortress | One day in Dozza

This mediaeval fortress, with its imposing burnt-orange walls that have stood tall since the 13th century, offers a captivating journey through time. Dozza Fortress has protected the mediaeval borgo of Emilia Romagna during turbulent times. In the 15th century, under the direction of Caterina Sforza, the fortress underwent significant transformation adding the defensive towers, making it one of the most beautiful rulers’ residences in Italy.

You can explore Dozza Fortress inside, visiting the noble apartments. However, the biggest highlight of the tour is the third-floor loggia, where historic frescoes grace the walls, providing a glimpse into the region’s artistic heritage.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the castle towers, where you can admire the breathtaking panoramic views of Dozza’s surroundings.

Walk through Dozza murals | Street art in Dozza

We arrived in Dozza a day early, when it was dark, but you can still see the enchanting little world of Dozza, where every corner unveils a vibrant untold story. The day after, we woke up in a unique village with pastel-coloured walls that exuded undeniable charm. Dozza might be depicted as a picturesque destination to treat as a day trip from Bologna; however, we found something more than an extraordinary open-air gallery.

In fact, in 1960, they established the Biennale del Muro Dipinto. This unique festival celebrates contemporary and modern art, transforming the town’s walls into canvases for artistic expression. Over a hundred captivating works have graced these streets since its inception. Every two years, more than 200 artists from across the globe gather to contribute their creations, transforming Dozza into an eclectic wonderland.

As we explored Dozza, we got lost in a mesmerising maze of murals. Each stroke of paint revealed the artist’s imagination, ranging from neo-renaissance masterpieces to subtle and understated designs. The festival, usually held in mid-September, breathes life into the streets and the fortress with exhibitions, concerts, and the opportunity to engage with the artists.

Wandering through Dozza’s alleys, we recommend embracing the quiet morning hours to savour the murals undisturbed by crowds. Immerse yourself in this captivating town, and allow the art to transport you to a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Dozza, Italy, is an extraordinary destination that promises to enchant every traveller seeking inspiration and cultural immersion.

Visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piscina.

Don’t rush past it on your exploration of Dozza—allow yourself a brief pause in this charming place of worship. Visit the church of Santa Maria Assunta in Piscina, a hidden gem often overshadowed by the vibrant murals of Dozza.

This mediaeval church, rebuilt in the 15th century and restored in the 1940s, exudes simplicity and beauty. Words are nothing compared to experience. As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by its fifteenth-century stone altar and the walls adorned with colourful artwork.

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What to do at lunch time in Dozza

One of the things that were so impressive about our whole tour around Emilia Romagna is that it is filled with cute little restaurants, bistros, or, as they call it, Botteghe, taverns and trattoria. The Emilian cuisine is fantastic; and of course, two things are well-known: tortellini and tagliatelle.

While exploring Dozza for one day, you must stop for lunch on the main road at Osteria di Dozza. This was the closest restaurant to our accommodation in Dozza, but diving into local products, accompanied by a glass of local wine was fantastic.

Discover the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna.

As the afternoon passes along, you must continue your tour through the narrow cobblestone alleys of Dozza. Still, admire the murals; they are everywhere, even where you don’t expect.

Discover the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna nestled within the mediaeval fortress of Rocca Sforzesca. This hidden gem sets itself apart as the regional wine headquarters, boasting over 600 labels personally selected by local wine experts.

Divided into rooms by wine type – white, red, and sweet and liquor selection- the beautifully restored cellar offers the best regional wines for tasting and purchase. Indulge in the sparkling red Lambrusco, ideal for summer afternoons, or savour the Romagna Albana, a delightful white wine from the surrounding hills. You can book a wine tasting in advance or just walk in to sip a glass of wine with a cheese selection platter to enjoy. We bought some wine and spirits as the best souvenir from Emilia Romagna, and definitely, it was well worth the money.

Enjoy a leisurely hike through the “Sentieri del Vino” Exploring Dozza’s picturesque surroundings.

From the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna starts a leisure hiking path through some of the most scenic points of the whole region. We walked along the path to discover some of the best vineyards and wineries around Dozza. One day in Dozza can easily see an itinerary tailored around this 6.5 Km hike. We found the path very easy, but not short in breathtaking views. The wineries are welcoming and exceptional, with some showing you the entire process, other than just sipping wine. You can also consider just to make it partially, walking along the well signalled path until the vineyard of your choice.

If you want a romantic setting we suggest looking into Cantina da Vittorio. This fantastic winery offers the chance to have a pic-nic through the vineyards, with fresh smell of grapes and soft-lights to make the atmosphere charming and corny. From the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna starts a leisure hiking path through some of the most scenic points of the whole region. We walked along the path to discover some of the best vineyards and wineries around Dozza.

One day in Dozza can easily see an itinerary tailored around this 6.5 Km hike. We found the path very easy but not short in breathtaking views. The wineries are welcoming and exceptional, with some showing you the entire process, other than just sipping wine. You can also consider just making it partially, walking along the well-signalled path until the vineyard of your choice.

We suggest looking into Cantina da Vittorio if you want a romantic setting. This fantastic winery offers the chance to have a picnic through the vineyards, with the fresh smell of grapes and soft lights making the atmosphere charming and corny.

Dozza Wine Path Wineries

• Azienda Agricola Assirelli “Cantina da Vittorio”
• Cantina Cenni & Assirelli
• Cantina Poderi delle Rocche
• Gandolfi Marco e Andrea

Do you want to read more about Emilia Romagna?

Read our guide to some of the best villages in Emilia Romagna, showcasing little towns, in Italian called Borghi, some of them on the hill tops, some others nestled within the Appenino Tosco-Emiliano, whit a landscape that perfectly mix the Tuscany style with the Emilian way of life.

Read our guide

Stay in Dozza or in Bologna?

Should you prolong your stay in this mediaeval gem or retreat to the bustling streets of Bologna? Both choices hold their own allure. In Dozza, you’ll experience the tranquillity of a village frozen in time, surrounded by rolling vineyards and the whispers of history. Immerse yourself in the local culture, savour regional delicacies, and indulge in the charm of small-town life.

We suggest even staying two or three days in Dozza if you don’t have to rush through your holiday time. Working from the main square was fantastic before heading to other sightseeing in the surrounding area. It was peaceful and calm enough to relax for a few days.

However, Bologna awaits if you seek the vibrant energy of a bustling city. Its rich history, vibrant food scene, and lively atmosphere will captivate you. Choose wisely, for both Dozza and Bologna have their distinct magic, ready to enchant and create memories to last a lifetime.

After all, Dozza is just 45 minutes away from Bologna, and it might be convenient cost-wise to stay in one or another to save some money, time and energy.

FAQ | One day in Dozza Itinerary