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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Brisighella & Via degli Asini
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Brisighella, a medieval gem in Emilia-Romagna, famed for its unique covered Via degli Asini and hilltop fortresses.
"This ancient covered walkway takes you back 500 years. Well worth the visit!"

🚶♀️ 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Torre dell'Orologio (Clock Tower)
Brisighella
Historic clock tower perched on a hill, providing breathtaking vistas of Brisighella's picturesque landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Discover the Unique Via degli Asini
Explore Brisighella's Hilltop Fortifications
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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:
🕰️ Visit the Clock Tower
Enjoy panoramic vistas from this iconic landmark. :camerawithflash:
🍷 Taste Local Wine
Brisighella is known for its wine. Try some local varieties! :wine_glass:
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:
🏰 Climb to the Rocca
The fortress offers incredible views. Worth the climb for the scenery! :mountain_climbing:
🕰️ Visit the Clock Tower
Enjoy panoramic vistas from this iconic landmark. :camerawithflash:
🍷 Taste Local Wine
Brisighella is known for its wine. Try some local varieties! :wine_glass:
🇮🇹 Signs are in Italian
Be prepared for signage to be primarily in Italian. :books:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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:
Brisighella is renowned for its Sangiovese wine. Look for local producers offering this classic Italian red. :wine_glass:
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
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
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:
❤️ Couples & Romantics
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
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.
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.
Brisighella's Three Sentinels
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit