Via degli Asini Brisighella

"And so, after ten years and a hectic month (I still remember that distant July 7, 2015), here I am again in Brisighella (this time with friends) to visit, in addition to the Manfredi fortress 🏰, the famous Via del Borgo, also known as "Donkey Street." Arriving there around 4:00 PM 🕓, we parked along the public park 🌳 in front of the station 🚉 and walked 🚶🏻🚶🏻‍♀️ towards the historic center. Arriving unexpectedly in front of Via del Borgo (on my first visit I hadn't been able to locate it, so I didn't know exactly where it was), we decided to explore it immediately. It is, specifically, a characteristic raised portico that, without a doubt, represents one of the historic center's main attractions. To access it, you have to climb a short staircase that leads directly onto Piazza Guglielmo Marconi, then continue to the right (there are specific signs ➡️ indicating the route). The perspective view from here is truly beautiful, with the "wavy" slatted flooring and the beamed ceiling. Moreover, what makes this walkway even more unique is the fact that it is not a simple communication structure like a tunnel or an overpass, but rather an integral and fundamental part of the magnificent village of Brisighella; on the left, you can see the entrances 🚪 of various apartments, while on the opposite side, large semicircular openings allow you to look out (someone even sits in them) onto Piazza Guglielmo Marconi. Some panels 🪧, both at the beginning and end of the route, provide some information on the history of the place: "It is an elevated road that receives light from the characteristic arched windows, of varying sizes. Probably built in the 14th century, it connected Porta Gabalo (or delle Gabelle) with Porta Bonfante. It represents the oldest defensive bastion protecting the village. Initially uncovered, the road served as a patrol walkway and communication route, then it was covered and incorporated into the houses when it lost its defensive function. Historically, it was from these arches that in 1467 the Brisighellans prevented the troops of the Duke of Urbino, Federico da Montefeltro, from entering the town after they had defeated the forces of Astorgio II Manfredi at Rontana. Later, this neighborhood was home to the "birocciai," who transported chalk from the quarries above the town using donkeys, hence the name "Street of the Donkeys." The stables were located in front of the arches, while the houses were on the upper floors. The transport carts, the "birocce," were stored in large rooms dug into the chalk, which opened onto the square below. Returning to our visit, we then concluded by continuing to the end of the walkway, which rejoins the road below (at Via Metelli) via another staircase. UNMISSABLE 👍🏻.

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Cogito Ergo Sum

"A beautiful village. We took the tour up to the clock tower, the fortress, which is truly worth seeing, and the Monticino sanctuary. It was May 1st, and we ate at the village festival, finding friendly and hospitable people and tasting textbook tortelli al ragù. The camper parking is also noteworthy."

Roberta Baroni

"On Easter Monday 2025 we visited this very pretty village starting from the particular Via degli Asini up to the tour that goes up to the Clock Tower and the Rocca. Excursion near Bologna absolutely worth doing."

Giovanni Memola