I borghi più belli dell'Emilia Romagna da visitare
If there’s one season that brings out the authentic beauty of Emilia-Romagna, it’s autumn. Forget the summer frenzy of the coast: when the air turns crisp and the sun paints the hills in bronze and rust tones, the region reveals its most intimate — and delicious — heart. In this article, we’ll take you on an unmissable journey through the medieval villages of Emilia-Romagna, a land of culinary excellence and ancient history.
The best villages in Emilia-Romagna: autumn tricolor among walls and vineyards
The journey begins where history meets the art of good living — in western Emilia, starting with Castell’Arquato, in the province of Piacenza. Dominated by its imposing Visconti Fortress, this medieval town welcomes you with cobblestone streets and a timeless atmosphere. Autumn is also the perfect season to explore the surrounding hills of the Val d’Arda, where the vineyards that produce the renowned Gutturnio are cloaked in spectacular foliage. A tasting at the Municipal Wine Cellar, paired with D.O.P. cured meats and ruby-red wines, is practically a moral duty!
Moving toward the Modenese Apennines, the magic continues in Castelvetro di Modena. This gem, nestled among the hills of Lambrusco Grasparossa, features a unique checkerboard square and panoramas that explode in shades of red during autumn. Strolling here is an ode to slow tourism: you pause to admire the vineyard foliage, visit the ancient Castle of Levizzano, and taste Lambrusco — a sparkling wine that perfectly embodies the rustic and convivial spirit of the Emilian autumn.
A different side of Romagna among frescoes and fortresses
Crossing into Romagna, autumn offers wilder and more colorful landscapes, especially in the valleys stretching toward the Casentino Forests National Park. But first, a stop in Dozza, near Imola, is essential. Known as “the painted village,” Dozza is a true open-air museum: the walls of its houses are decorated with hundreds of murals that blend beautifully with the autumnal tones of the surrounding vegetation. The experience is complete with a visit to the Fortress and the Regional Wine Cellar, where Sangiovese and Albana DOCG await you.
Further south, Romagna reveals more medieval treasures. Brisighella (in the province of Faenza), one of “Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages,” with its three fortresses overlooking the town, is framed by clay gullies and olive groves that retain a unique charm even in autumn. It’s ideal for a light hike among the warm seasonal colors and to discover the flavors of the local extra virgin olive oil — a true excellence.
Finally, in the hills of the Rimini hinterland, Montefiore Conca and Saludecio (the latter famous for its 19th-century murals) offer unmatched views over the valleys. Here, in autumn, festivals dedicated to chestnuts and mushrooms are often held — an irresistible attraction for those in search of the truest and most ancient flavors of Romagna.
Autumn in Emilia-Romagna is more than just a change of season — it’s an invitation to slow down, to lose yourself in history within the walls of its villages, and to warm your soul with the generous flavors of this land. Check out our list of car rentals in Emilia-Romagna and find the perfect vehicle to plan your journey through nature, history, and great cuisine!
