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The Village of Brisighella

BRISIGHELLA: ART CARVED IN PLASTER, THE MYSTERIOUS HEART OF ROMAGNA

Not just a destination, but a sensory experience rooted in the chalk and rising toward the Romagna sky. Brisighella reveals itself as an architectural masterpiece, nestled among the ravines of the Lamone Valley and dominated by the unmistakable profile of its Three Hills . Deservedly listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy and awarded the Orange Flag , this medieval town offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and inimitable flavors.

The Triptych of Dreams: The Three Hills

The village lives in the shadow of three pinnacles of chalky rock, historical and spiritual bastions that define its horizon:

  1. The Rocca Manfrediana: A majestic 14th-century fortress, later enriched by Venetian rule. Today, it is a superb example of medieval military art, with its tower offering a commanding view of the entire Apennines.
  2. The Clock Tower: An ancient defensive bastion, rebuilt in the 19th century and characterized by its unique six-hour dial. A symbol of a time marked by the slow pace of history.
  3. The Sanctuary of Monticino: A place of profound veneration, built in the eighteenth century, it watches over the town, completing a panorama of rare evocative power.

These peaks rise in the heart of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park , a unique karst area where the shimmer of the gypsum mineral creates a scenic backdrop of indescribable beauty.

The Donkey's Way: A Path of Air

The true emblem of Brisighella's ingenuity and history is the Via degli Asini ( Donkey Street). This covered, elevated road, a sort of overhead tunnel, was designed in the 12th century to protect the carters and their donkeys transporting chalk from the quarries. Today, walking beneath the arches of this street is a hypnotic journey, a unique perspective that captures the authentic soul of the village, with its crescent-shaped windows overlooking the narrow streets below.

The Green Gold of Romagna

Brisighella is a land of unparalleled delicacies. Culinary excellence culminates in Brisighello DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil , the first in Italy to earn the prestigious label, derived from the prized native cultivar 'Nostrana di Brisighella'. This oil is celebrated for its elegant notes, a symbol of an olive-growing tradition rooted in Roman times. Completing the array of flavors are the rare Moretto artichoke and the traditional Volpina pear .

Brisighella isn't just a village worth visiting, it's a treasure waiting to be discovered, a place where every stone tells a legend and every flavor is an ode to Romagna's authenticity.

Brisighella

The Italian village
waiting to be discovered and explored

Monuments

BRISIGHELLA: THE PATH OF GODS AND HEROES

Brisighella isn't just a village, it's a vertical experience. Perched on the slopes of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola, this medieval gem in the province of Ravenna is defined by its iconic monuments, rising from three rocky outcrops, shaped by history and the force of nature. An itinerary among fortresses, architectural mysteries, and breathtaking views.

The Inspiring Triad: The Three Hills

Brisighella's unmistakable profile is a triptych of symbols, an invitation to climb and contemplate centuries of history enclosed in the landscape.

1. The Rocca Manfrediana: Fortress and Museum

The undisputed queen, the Rocca Manfrediana (or Venetian) stands like an eternal guardian. Dating back to the 13th century, it was built by the Manfredi of Faenza and later reinforced by the Republic of Venice. Its imposing cylindrical towers, the Venetian Tower and the Torricino , bear witness to medieval military excellence.

  • The Attraction: Cross the drawbridge and walk along the patrol walkways. Inside, discover the Museum of Man and Chalk , an immersive experience of the millennia-old bond between man and the rock that shapes the entire valley. A 360-degree panorama rewards the climb, blending the green hills with the shimmering chalk.

2. The Clock Tower: Suspended Time

On an adjacent hill stands the Clock Tower , a defensive bastion originally erected in 1290. The current structure, rebuilt in 1850, conceals a singular curiosity: its mechanism counts only six hours .

  • The Attraction: The climb is a visual treat. From its summit, not only do you overlook the village and its terracotta roofs, but you can also take in the entire valley, framed by the evocative gullies . Admission is free, offering an unparalleled panoramic viewpoint for photography enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility.

3. The Sanctuary of Monticino: Faith and Geology

The third hill is home to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monticino , a place of profound spirituality built in 1758. It houses an ancient Marian image in polychrome terracotta, venerated for centuries.

  • The Attraction: Hidden just behind the sanctuary is an exceptional open-air Geological Museum , set in the area of ​​a former gypsum quarry. This site offers a fascinating insight into the karst nature of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola, making the experience a unique blend of sacred architecture and natural archaeology.

The Hidden Wonder: Donkey Street

In the heart of the historic center lies Brisighella's most distinctive and fascinating feature: Via del Borgo , known universally as Via degli Asini . This elevated and completely covered street, dating back to the 12th century, runs along the perimeter of the houses.

  • The Attraction: Walk through this unique overhead tunnel, which served as a patrol walkway and shelter for carters and their animals. Admire the characteristic semicircular windows that open onto the village below. It's a unique architectural structure, an "air path" that invites you to travel back in time to the most intimate heart of medieval life.

Brisighella isn't just history, it's an emotion to be explored on foot, a medieval treasure carved from chalk and projected skyward. Come discover its monuments: they are the key to a time and place where beauty was sculpted to last.

Curiosity

BRISIGHELLA: THE SECRETS OF A VILLAGE THAT DEFIES TIME

Brisighella isn't just a medieval postcard; it's a concentration of bizarre stories, unique gems, and architecture unlike any other. Immerse yourself in the curiosities that make this Orange Flag town, a jewel of Emilia-Romagna, an absolutely unmissable destination.

The Clock That Measures the Day in Six Hours

When you climb the Clock Tower (one of the famous "Three Hills"), you'll notice a surprising detail that will take you back centuries: its dial has only six hours . This isn't a mistake, but a testament to the ancient "Italic Time System .

  • In this system, introduced in the 14th century, hours were counted from sunset. The clock marked the end of the day, and for reasons of mechanical simplicity and readability, a six-hour dial was used, repeated four times. A true leap in time that ignores modern conventions.

The Most Unique Covered Road in the World: The Donkey Road

The beating heart of the historic center, Via del Borgo , is known to all as Via degli Asini . Its nature is unique: it is an elevated road, completely covered and built along the rocky face of the houses.

  • The Reason: The name and its unusual architecture derive from its original function. The street was not only a defensive patrol path, but also served primarily as a covered shelter for the donkeys of the "birocciai" (cart drivers). These animals were essential for transporting the precious gypsum extracted from the surrounding quarries (the Vena del Gesso). The distinctive crescent-shaped overlooking the square were the only source of light, transforming the space into a warehouse-passageway that bears witness to the ancient and laborious mining life of the village.

The Oil That Comes From an Ancient Roman Oil Mill

Brisighella is a land of delicacies, but its Brisighella DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil is truly legendary. It was the first oil in Italy to obtain the Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) label in 1996.

  • Roman Roots: The history of Brisighella olive oil is not medieval, but Roman . In the nearby parish church of San Giovanni in Ottavo (known as Pieve del Tho), a small Roman-era olive press was discovered in the 9th century, evidence of an uninterrupted olive-growing tradition spanning over two thousand years.
  • Monocultivar of Excellence: Brisighella DOP oil, marketed under brands such as "Brisighello," is obtained from at least 90% of the native "Nostrana di Brisighella" . This unique varietal concentration gives the product an intense, clean, fruity flavor with perfectly balanced bitter and spicy notes.

These curiosities not only enrich the Brisighella experience, but also reveal the profound connection between human ingenuity, the history of chalk, and the generosity of a land that has produced age-old excellence.

Personages

BRISIGHELLA: THE LAND THAT GENERATED CARDINALS AND MASTERS OF ART

Brisighella, with its skyline sculpted by the "Three Hills," has not only shaped landscapes of extraordinary beauty, but has also given birth to figures who have left an indelible mark on history, art, and the ecclesiastical hierarchy. This Romagna town is a hotbed of talents who excel in diverse fields, from the Roman Curia to the stages of modern art.

The Unrivaled Primacy: The City of Cardinals

One of Brisighella's most surprising and insurmountable statistics concerns its connection to the Vatican. The small town boasts the distinction of having produced eight Cardinals in its history, figures who have held extremely prestigious positions within the Catholic Church.

Among the most famous and influential are:

  • Amleto Giovanni Cicognani (1883 – 1973): Cardinal Secretary of State and key figure in the Roman Curia.
  • Achille Silvestrini (1923 – 2019): prominent diplomat and Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches.
  • Dino Monduzzi (1922 – 2006): another high-ranking cardinal, testimony to a strong and deep-rooted Catholic tradition that has projected its sons to the pinnacle of global religious power.

The Artistic Legacy: Painters and Lithographers of the 20th Century

Brisighella is not only faith, but also artistic ferment, with figures who have been able to interpret and celebrate twentieth-century Romagna:

Giuseppe Ugonia (1881 – 1944): The Poet of Lithography

Originally from Brisighella, Giuseppe Ugonia was one of the most important names in Italian graphic art between the 19th and 20th centuries. Specializing in painting and, above all, lithography, his works were exhibited in the most prestigious international venues.

  • The Homage of the Village: The bond with his hometown is perpetuated by the Giuseppe Ugonia Civic Museum , where many of his works are preserved, allowing visitors to discover his exceptional technical mastery and his profound sensitivity.

Domenico Rambelli (1886 – 1972): The Sculptor of Monuments

Although not a native of Brisighella (he was from Faenza), his most iconic work, tied to the historical memory of the area, is located right here. Domenico Rambelli , considered one of the greatest sculptors of the Italian twentieth century, is the author of:

  • "Sleeping Infantryman" : This evocative War Memorial in Brisighella's Remembrance Park is one of the artist's most significant works. The bronze figure of the soldier, in eternal sleep, embodies a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance.

The city of Brisighella, therefore, is a crossroads of excellence, a place where the highest spirituality and the most profound artistic expression have found fertile ground to flourish and influence the entire world.

Typical Recipes

THE AUTHENTIC FLAVOR OF BRISIGHELLA: A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH DOP OLIVE OIL AND TREASURES OF THE LAND

Brisighella's cuisine is a direct expression of its hilly landscape, a place where rural simplicity blends with world-class products unlike any other. Its traditional recipes aren't just dishes, but true tales of the most authentic Romagna.

The Queen of Puff Pastry: The “Spoja Lorda”

Among the first courses, "Spoja Lorda" stands out for its unique name and its history in home economics. Literally translated as "dirty pastry," this egg pasta is a symbol of the skill and ingenuity of the housewives .

  • The Concept: It arose from the need to use up leftover pastry and filling (usually squacquerone or raviggiolo and Parmesan) left over from making more elaborate cappelletti. Instead of being filled and carefully sealed, the pastry is simply "grossed" —that is, spread—with a thin layer of filling, and then cut into small, incompletely separated squares.
  • The Tasting: These small, imperfect ravioli are traditionally cooked and served in a flavorful capon broth , resulting in a comforting, quick, and exquisitely Romagna dish. A masterpiece born from reuse, today a gastronomic icon of Brisighella.

Green and Thorny Gold: Moretto Artichoke and Brisighella DOP Olive Oil

Brisighella's gastronomy revolves around two native products of the highest quality, both products of the exclusive microclimate of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola :

The Moretto Artichoke

Unique in its kind, the Moretto di Brisighella artichoke is a spiny, wild variety that grows only on the sunniest slopes of the chalky gullies. It has not undergone genetic improvement since the 15th century, maintaining its inimitable flavor and aroma.

  • Typical Use: To savor its essence, it is often eaten raw or lightly blanched.
  • The Perfect Pairing: The only permitted condiment is Brisighella DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil , which, thanks to a common aromatic base given by the same terroir , enhances its clean flavour and slightly bitter note.

Brisighella DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The first oil in Italy to obtain DOP certification, Brisighella oil is a single-variety “Nostrana di Brisighella” cultivar .

  • Characteristics: Of an unmistakable emerald green color, its flavor is fruity, spicy and slightly bitter.
  • In the Kitchen: Being a premium product, it's ideal for raw , enhancing the texture of grilled white meats fish dishes . It's the essential aromatic signature in any recipe that seeks to be authentically Brisighella-style.

Sweet Delights: The Volpina Pear

Finally, the local confectionery tradition celebrates an ancient fruit: the Volpina pear . A small wild pear, particularly hard and sour when eaten raw.

  • Peasant Tradition: Not suitable for fresh consumption, but takes center stage when cooked. It's typically baked or stewed with red wine (often Sangiovese) and sugar, releasing a sweet, spicy flavor that's the perfect end to a Romagna meal.