Dozza is a vibrant medieval village in the province of Bologna; the walls of the houses that overlook the alleys are open-air canvases on which magnificent works of art have been drawn.
Dozza is one of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages,” and a walk through its winding streets can fill your eyes with pure beauty. The murals of Dozza are a lasting testament to the Biennial of the Painted Wall, a September phenomenon that began in the 1960s and leaves this town with ever new masterpieces, which are linked to the existing ones, giving life to an extraordinary art gallery.
The best way to soak up this magical artistic experience is to literally walk aimlessly through the alleys, lost in admiration of the murals. The name of the artist who made each painting, as well as the year it was created, are listed beneath it.
Arcobaleno by Alfonso Frasnedi, which was drawn on the arch leading to Via XX Settembre and separating the Town Hall from the Museum of Sacred Art, is the first thing that comes to mind.
Continuing down this lane, on the right, you can see Giuliana Bonazza’s Angel of Dozza, perhaps the most popular of the works. A succession of wonderful creations painted in accordance with the windows of the houses with green shutters and brick-colored arches can be seen on the parallel lane or Via Edmondo de Amicis. Two Women Chatting by Kamil Tarqosz is one of the most popular works in this alley. At the point where Via de Amicis and Via XX Settembre meet, there is a very pretty square where Koncept “Dozza” was painted, a tribute to the Czech artist Michal Strjecek. In the same square, there is a lovely pink balcony with Asko Sutinen’s Elemental Poem painted on it.
The tiny village stretches alongside an intriguing castle. The Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza is a magnificent medieval fortress constructed in complete harmony with its surroundings; its origins date back to the 12th century, although it has undeniably undergone changes over the centuries. The Rocca Museum is located inside. The living room, kitchen, and bedroom are among the rooms that can be visited; the furnishings belong to the Campeggi and Malvezzi families, who lived here from the 16th century to 1960. A visit to the Torre Maggiore and Torre Minore is recommended, as they have a beautiful panoramic view of the houses and surrounding countryside. The Regional Enoteca is located in Rocca’s basement for wine lovers. Mondays are closed at the Rocca Sforzesca di Dozza, which is situated in Piazza della Rocca.
Furthermore, a magnificent visit to Dozza can be had by following a special itinerary. The Via S. Anastasia is a lovely panoramic route that frames one side of the village; take a stroll along it to enjoy the peaceful rural setting.
Download the software for free. Muro Dipinto, a multi-media guide to discovering Dozza, is divided into several sections: “Painted Wall,” where you can find a list of almost all of the village’s murals, along with a brief explanation and a map of their location; “Hospitality” is where you can find bars, restaurants, wineries, and hotels; “Data” is where you can learn about history; and “Events” is where you can find out about upcoming events.
