Brisighella is one of the Emilia Romagna region’s best-kept secrets and offers culture, cuisine and countryside in one unmissable stop.
Authentic charm and walking trails
This atmospheric medieval village has authentic charm, and its medieval heart is a delight to explore. The pastel-hued houses on the Via degli Asini sit on an ancient defensive walkway with arched windows overlooking the town, making it one of Italy’s most Instagrammable streets. The 14th-century Rocca Manfrediana fortress, Monticino Sanctuary, and the old Clock Tower above the village have great views across vineyards, olive groves, and the Lamone Valley. There are also well-tended walking routes connecting these landmarks, and the surrounding Parco della Vena del Gesso Romagnola has scenic hiking and biking trails. 
Art, culture and food festivals
For culture lovers the Collegiate Church of San Michele, with its 18th-century interior and artworks, is worth a visit, as is the small but interesting Museo Civico Giuseppe Ugonia. Dedicated to the local lithographer and painter Giuseppe Ugonia, the museum displays a collection of his evocative prints alongside temporary art exhibitions. The Sanctuary of Monticino has a revered 17th-century terracotta Madonna and is an important local pilgrimage site. Brisighella hosts many concerts, medieval pageants, and food festivals, such as the annual Olive Oil Festival celebrating the prized extra-virgin DOP olive oil. The closest air access to Brisighella is Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi airport, which is about 75 kilometres away, and is well-served by European carriers and long-haul connections. Florence Airport is another option at 100 kilometres. 
Close to Ravenna, Modena and Parma
Brisighella makes an excellent base or stopover in an Emilia Romagna package. Faenza, famed for its ceramics, is only 12 kilometres away, and Ravenna, with its UNESCO-listed Byzantine mosaics, lies about 50 kilometres to the northeast. For gourmet travelers Modena and Parma are reachable within a day, making Brisighella a natural complement to the region’s famed food and art cities, and is an attractive addition to itineraries designed for FITs, small groups, and themed tours exploring the heart of Italy.
