dozza murals
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Dozza (map) is a hill-top medieval village about a 30-minute drive southeast of Bologna. Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Dozza is dominated by an imposing fortress, Rocca Sforzesca, and consists of a main street that circles the village in an elongated form.

Panoramic view of Dozza (image courtesy of Durelli Massimo - Creative Commons)
Panoramic view of Dozza (image courtesy of Durelli Massimo – Creative Commons)

Dozza village

The village is best known for its annual Wine Festival and its Biennial Exhibition of the Painted Wall (Muro Dipinto) in September, when artists from Italy and around the world are invited to decorate the village’s walls with colourful murals, in effect transforming the village into an open-air museum. It truly is an enchanting experience to stroll around and admire the murals of Dozza, each in a different style and colour scheme.

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The imposing fortress
dozza murals
The colourful village square
mural village italy
Vicolo Campeggi street
Via de Edmondo de Amicis
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While I strolled down the main street, I spotted gorgeous views of the surrounding hills through the gaps between houses.

Dozza murals

As you stroll around the village, you’ll soon see the murals for which the village is famous. There are lots of them, in a variety of themes and styles.

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I particularly loved this mural on the yellow wall.
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Another of my favourite murals
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This cartoon mural was very striking.
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And I bumped into a few Dozza cats!
dozza day trip from bologna
Cats are also featured on various murals
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Another of my favourites.
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Some of the murals are tucked away in little corners.

After strolling around the village, a perfect place to stop for a drink (I suggest a refreshing Aperol Spritz) or a meal is the charming Piccola Osteria del Borgo.

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Lunch platter at the Piccola Osteria del Borgo!

Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna

Dozza is also home to the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna (the regional wine store for the Emilia Romagna region) located in the Rocca Sforzesca, with more than 800 different wines and other products like olive oils, balsamico and jams. You can’t leave the village without visiting the Enoteca and tasting some of the wines.

Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna photo
The Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna is located in the celler of the Rocca Sforzesca.

It was a delight to discover this gorgeous village with its beautiful murals. If you’re visiting Emilia Romagna and driving the famous Via Emilia, plan some time for a visit to Dozza!

Dozza is also a featured destination in my ultimate Emilia Romagna road trip itinerary.

Read about things you must do in Emilia Romagna or things to do in Bologna.

Note: my visit to Emilia Romagna was a collaboration between the Emilia-Romagna Tourism Board and iambassador. All views expressed above are mine, and mine only.

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