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Brisighella & Via degli Asini

4.6
·2k reviews·Brisighella, Italy

Discover Brisighella, a medieval gem in Emilia-Romagna, famed for its unique covered Via degli Asini and hilltop fortresses.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
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Piazza Marconi

Brisighella & Via degli Asini

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for exploring

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Brisighella, a medieval gem in Emilia-Romagna, famed for its unique covered Via degli Asini and hilltop fortresses.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This ancient covered walkway takes you back 500 years. Well worth the visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Via degli Asini

Don't miss this unique covered street; it's a step back in time! :walking:

🏰 Climb to the Rocca

The fortress offers incredible views. Worth the climb for the scenery! :mountain_climbing:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Via degli Asini (Donkey's Way)

Via degli Asini (Donkey's Way)

Brisighella

A one-of-a-kind covered medieval walkway, once a defensive route, now a charming street with ancient stables turned homes.

Rocca Manfrediana

Rocca Manfrediana

Brisighella

Imposing medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding gypsum hills.

Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)

Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)

Brisighella

Historic clock tower perched on a hill, providing breathtaking vistas of Brisighella's picturesque landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Discover the Unique Via degli Asini

Brisighella's Via degli Asini is a truly unique covered walkway, once a defensive path and later used by donkey carts transporting gypsum. Its distinctive architecture and history make it a must-see.

Explore Brisighella's Hilltop Fortifications

The medieval town is crowned by three distinct hills: the Rocca Manfrediana, the Torre dell'Orologio, and the Santuario del Monticino. Plan time to visit these for stunning views and historical insights.

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sapevi che questo borgo ha una caratteristica unica? Mi trovo a Brisighella, in provincia di Ravenna. #borghiitaliani #borghipiubelliditalia #borghitalia #borghimedievali #emiliaromagna
@finestre_sui_borghi
2.4K likes • 106.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Via degli Asini

Don't miss this unique covered street; it's a step back in time! :walking: TikTokReddit

🏰 Climb to the Rocca

The fortress offers incredible views. Worth the climb for the scenery! :mountain_climbing: TikTok

Un borgo medievale arroccato su tre colli di gesso: Brisighella è il borgo che non dimentichi facilmente. Una delle sue particolarità è la Via degli Asini, nata come camminamento di ronda, poi inglobata nelle abitazioni. Il nome? Viene dagli asinelli usati dai birocciai per trasportare il gesso dalle cave sovrastanti. Siamo in provincia di Ravenna ma a meno di un’ora da Bologna. Ci siete mai stati...
@inemiliaromagna
1.5K likes • 71.4K views
una via unica al Mondo in Emilia Romagna!…davvero pazzesca😍 #brisighella #consiglidiviaggio #emiliaromagna #tiktokitalia #viaggiacontiktok
@due_zaini_in_viaggio
1.4K likes • 30.5K views

🕰️ Visit the Clock Tower

Enjoy panoramic vistas from this iconic landmark. :camerawithflash: TikTok

🍷 Taste Local Wine

Brisighella is known for its wine. Try some local varieties! :wine_glass: Reddit

Un pittoresco borgo medievale sovrastato da tre colli sui quali si ergono la Rocca, la Torre dell'Orologio e il Santuario del Monticino. ✨ La vera chicca la via degli Asini, un tempo camminamento di ronda, fu poi coperta e inglobata nelle abitazioni. Qui abitavano i birocciai, che trasportavano il gesso dalle cave servendosi di asinelli, da cui il nome “Via degli Asini”. 📍Brisighella si trova in...
@finestre_sui_borghi
994 likes • 69.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Via degli Asini

Don't miss this unique covered street; it's a step back in time! :walking: TikTokReddit

🏰 Climb to the Rocca

The fortress offers incredible views. Worth the climb for the scenery! :mountain_climbing: TikTok

🕰️ Visit the Clock Tower

Enjoy panoramic vistas from this iconic landmark. :camerawithflash: TikTok

🍷 Taste Local Wine

Brisighella is known for its wine. Try some local varieties! :wine_glass: Reddit

🇮🇹 Signs are in Italian

Be prepared for signage to be primarily in Italian. :books: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Brisighella's unique medieval charm, particularly the one-of-a-kind Via degli Asini. The hilltop fortresses offer stunning views, and the local food and wine are highly praised. Some note that signage can be exclusively in Italian, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.

"I came across this ancient street on my way to the Clock Tower and I have walked to the end of it. The cobbled street with the stables it was the main street were donkeys were employed in transporting the gypsum from the mines. Now the stables are private homes. Is worth a walk through if you happen to be in Brisighella."

Angie O

"Beautiful. A must see. This ancient covered walkway takes you back 500 years. Well worth the visit"

Robert Christensen

"Special hallway, nice to walk through, sadly all signs are in Italian, but worth to see"

Rudolf Sarkisyan

What People Like

Unique Via degli Asini
Stunning hilltop views
Authentic medieval atmosphere

What People Dislike

Italian-only signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Brisighella is accessible by car, with parking available near the town center. You can also reach it by train from Ravenna or Faenza, making it a convenient day trip. TikTok

Yes, Brisighella is a very walkable medieval village. The main attractions, including the Via degli Asini, Rocca, and Clock Tower, are best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

Absolutely! Brisighella is a perfect destination for a day trip from nearby cities like Ravenna or Bologna. You can easily see the main sights within a few hours. TikTok

The best way to explore Brisighella is on foot. Wander through its charming streets, discover the Via degli Asini, and hike up to the Rocca and Clock Tower for stunning views. TikTok

Brisighella itself is small and best explored by walking. Public transport is mainly for reaching the town from larger cities. Once there, your own two feet are your best transport. :walking:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The town of Brisighella and the Via degli Asini are free to explore. However, there is an entrance fee for the Rocca Manfrediana and the Torre dell'Orologio. :ticket:

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official local tourism website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information on access to the Rocca and Clock Tower. :clock1:

Admission fees for the Rocca Manfrediana are typically modest. Expect to pay a few euros for entry, which grants access to the fortress and its historical exhibits. :euro:

For the Rocca and Clock Tower, tickets are usually purchased on-site. Advance booking is generally not required unless you are part of a large group tour. :credit_card:

Yes, the entire town of Brisighella, including the picturesque Via degli Asini and the charming streets, is free to wander and explore. :moneywithwings:

📸 📸 Photography

The Via degli Asini offers unique architectural shots. The views from the Rocca Manfrediana and Torre dell'Orologio are spectacular, capturing the rolling hills and the village. :camerawithflash: TikTok

The covered nature of the Via degli Asini can create interesting light and shadow play. It's best to visit during daylight hours for good natural light. :iphone:

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful light for photographing the town and its surrounding landscape. Weekday mornings can also be less crowded for unobstructed shots. :sunriseovermountains:

Drone usage is typically restricted in historical town centers and near protected areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone. :noentrysign:

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the enclosed Via degli Asini and panoramic views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the Rocca and distant landscapes. :camera:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Don't miss Brisighella's famous olive oil, 'Brisighello DOP'. Also, try local pasta dishes and cured meats. The region is known for its hearty, traditional cuisine. :pasta: Reddit

Yes, Brisighella has several traditional trattorias and restaurants offering authentic Emilia-Romagna cuisine. Many are family-run and provide a warm, local dining experience. :forkandknife: Reddit

Brisighella is renowned for its Sangiovese wine. Look for local producers offering this classic Italian red. :wine_glass: Reddit

While traditional Italian cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Vegan options might be more limited but can often be found with simple vegetable-based dishes. :leafy_green:

Dining in Brisighella can range from casual trattorias offering affordable meals to more upscale restaurants. Expect reasonable prices for the quality of food and local experience. :moneybag:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Brisighella offers a charming and engaging experience for families. The Via degli Asini is a unique covered street that sparks imagination, making kids feel like they're in a medieval adventure. The climb to the Rocca Manfrediana and Torre dell'Orologio can be an exciting quest, with the reward of fantastic views. Pack snacks and water, as the climbs can be a bit strenuous for very young children. TikTok

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and allow children more space to explore. The town is generally safe and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to navigate with strollers or little ones. Look for trattorias that offer simple, kid-friendly pasta dishes. The novelty of the ancient streets and fortifications often captivates younger visitors. :child:

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Brisighella is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. The main attractions, the town itself and the Via degli Asini, are free to explore. You can enjoy the atmosphere, take stunning photos, and soak in the history without spending a euro. TikTok

While there's a small fee for the Rocca and Clock Tower, it's very affordable. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with a view from one of the hills, saving money on dining out. Look for local bakeries for delicious and inexpensive pastries or focaccia. The train journey to Brisighella is also typically budget-friendly. :moneywithwings: Reddit

❤️ Couples & Romantics

Brisighella exudes a romantic, old-world charm perfect for couples. Wander hand-in-hand through the atmospheric Via degli Asini, imagining yourselves in a bygone era. TikTok The climb to the Torre dell'Orologio at sunset offers breathtaking views and a memorable shared experience. TikTok

Enjoy a leisurely meal at a traditional trattoria, savoring local cuisine and wine. The peaceful ambiance of the medieval village, especially during quieter times, provides an intimate setting for connection. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for a more secluded and romantic escape. :heart:

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enigmatic Via degli Asini

Brisighella's Via degli Asini is more than just a street; it's a historical marvel. Originally constructed as a defensive walkway high above a rocky outcrop, it was later enclosed and integrated into the buildings. This unique architectural feature served as a vital route for the 'birocciai' – donkey cart drivers – who transported gypsum from the local mines. The name 'Via degli Asini' directly translates to 'Donkey's Way,' a testament to its past. Today, the former stables and passageways have been transformed into charming homes, offering a glimpse into centuries of local life. TikTokReddit

Walking through the Via degli Asini feels like stepping back in time. The covered nature of the street creates a distinct atmosphere, with arches and ancient stonework lining the path. It’s a photographer's dream, offering unique perspectives and a sense of mystery. While signs might be primarily in Italian, the visual storytelling of the street itself is universally understood. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors find the Via degli Asini to be the most memorable part of their Brisighella visit. Its historical significance, combined with its unusual design, makes it a standout attraction. It’s a place where history is not just read about, but actively experienced as you tread the same path as generations before you. Reddit

Brisighella's Three Sentinels

Brisighella is dramatically perched beneath three imposing hills, each crowned with a significant historical structure. The Rocca Manfrediana is a formidable medieval fortress, a testament to the region's strategic importance. Its robust walls and towers offer a commanding presence and, more importantly, breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Exploring the Rocca provides a tangible connection to the area's defensive past. TikTok

Adjacent to the Rocca is the Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower). This iconic landmark not only tells time but also serves as an excellent vantage point. Climbing to the top rewards visitors with sweeping vistas that encompass the entire village, the winding Lamone river valley, and the distinctive chalk hills that characterize the landscape. It’s a perfect spot for photography and appreciating the town's layout. TikTok

The third sentinel is the Santuario del Monticino, a serene sanctuary that adds a spiritual dimension to the hilltop trio. While perhaps less imposing than the fortress or tower, it offers a peaceful retreat and contributes to the overall picturesque silhouette of Brisighella against the sky. Together, these three structures form the iconic skyline of Brisighella, inviting exploration and offering diverse historical and scenic experiences. TikTok

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