Brisighella, the vibrant village of the Three Hills in Romagna
Brisighella is one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, nestled among the hills of the Tuscan-Romagnol Apennines. If you’re wondering what to see in this medieval gem, you’re in for a treat. From the impressive Rocca Manfrediana to the charming Via degli Asini, this town offers breathtaking panoramas and rich local traditions.
Brisighella, one of Italy’s hidden gems, is an absolute must-visit if you love exploring authentic, lesser-known places. Despite its proximity to Faenza and the Tuscan-Romagnol Apennines, it is often overlooked by hurried travelers. Even I, living in Bologna, only recently added Brisighella to my must-visit list, and I must say, I was enchanted by it. The town’s beauty is truly extraordinary – it feels like stepping into a painting, with its vibrant colors framed by three hills that dominate the landscape.
Every corner of Brisighella is crowned by its most famous architectural symbols: the Rocca Manfrediana, the Clock Tower, and the Santuario del Monticino. The first time you stand before these marvels, you can’t help but be awestruck! I visited in December on a cold but sunny day, and the autumn landscape gave me breathtaking views of the Romagna hills.
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What to see in Brisighella
The Rocca Manfrediana
At the top of one of the hills, the Rocca Manfrediana is one of the main attractions of the town. Built in 1310 by the Manfredi family from Faenza, it’s a perfect example of medieval military architecture. During your visit, the walk along the ramparts is a must: from here, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of the entire village and the surrounding hills. The walk to the Rocca is a pleasant journey through nature, but if you prefer, there is also a small parking lot nearby.
La Via degli Asini
The ancient Via degli Asini, found next to Piazza Marconi, is a true gem of Brisighella – unique in the world and offering charming secret views! The street is lined with quaint houses painted in soft colors and lit by a series of arched windows that create fascinating lighting effects. It’s not hard to find, thanks to the signs scattered throughout the town center.
The Via degli Asini is an elevated street, built in the 14th century as a defensive bastion for the town.
Over time, it was covered and incorporated into the houses, becoming the neighborhood of the cart drivers who transported gypsum from the nearby quarries using donkeys. It’s from this historical use that the street’s charming name was born.
The Clock Tower
Another symbol of Brisighella is the Clock Tower, which you can reach after climbing about 400 steps. If you have the breath for it, I highly recommend tackling them: the view from the top is worth every step! The clock itself is quite unique, with a dial that only marks six hours. Unfortunately, during my visit, the Tower was closed, but it’s still worth climbing for the incredible landscape.
Originally built in 1290 for defensive purposes, the Clock Tower was completely rebuilt in 1850, at which time its very unusual clock was installed. The dial, in fact, only shows six hours!
In my opinion, this is the most distinctive and striking monument in the village!
The Giuseppe Ugonia Civic Museum
If you love art, the Museum dedicated to the painter Giuseppe Ugonia is a must-see. Ugonia, originally from Faenza, fell in love with Brisighella and drew inspiration from the town for many of his works. Some of his creations can even be found at the Uffizi in Florence and the British Museum.
The Sanctuary of the Beata Vergine del Monticino
Situated on one of the hills surrounding Brisighella, the Sanctuary of Monticino is a highly revered place of worship. Every September, one of the oldest festivals in Romagna is held in honor of the Madonna del Monticino, a tradition dating back to the 17th century.
The Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park
The Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park, a candidate to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches for about 20 kilometers, from the Lamone River valley to the Sillaro stream valley. The park is a rare example of a mountain range made entirely of selenitic gypsum crystals. There are several themed trails and excursions in the park that will let you explore this beautiful area.
Don’t miss the two caves in the park: the Tanaccia Cave and the Cave of King Tiberius, both of which can only be visited from April to October, preferably with a guide.
For more information on all the excursions and trails, feel free to contact the Brisighella Tourist Office (Email: iat.brisighella@racine.ra.it).
Where to eat in Brisighella
After a day of exploring, we stopped for a bite at Trattoria La Casetta, a charming little restaurant overlooking the Ugonia Park. We enjoyed a generous platter of cured meats and cheeses, potato ravioli with guanciale and fried zucchini, and a mixed grill – all for just 40 euros for two!
It was a rustic yet very satisfying meal.
Brisighella is a true hidden gem, perfect for a getaway or a weekend immersed in history, nature, and delicious food. If you’re looking for an authentic and picturesque place, this village will captivate you with its genuine charm.
But Brisighella isn’t the only gem in the area: surrounding it are other beautiful villages well worth a visit. Just a few kilometers away, for instance, is Bertinoro, known as “the terrace of Romagna.” Another fascinating destination is Ravenna, which, despite being a bit larger, still retains a peaceful atmosphere and boasts spectacular Byzantine mosaics, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the province of Rimini, there are a multitude of charming villages to visit: San Leo, Montegridolfo, Saludecio, Montefiore Conca, and many more… check out my dedicated Emilia-Romagna page and get inspired!
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