Dozza

A small fortified village in the province of Bologna, nestled amid the vineyards and overlooked by a mighty Sforza stronghold called Rocca di Santa Caterina.
The town of Dozza is known for its “Biennale del Muro Dipinto”, an event featuring the presence of renowned artists who create paintings right on the walls of the village houses. This has made Dozza a true museum en plein air.
Dozza is also famous for being the home of the Enoteca Regionale dell’Emilia Romagna [Regional stock of vintage wines], founded in 1970 at the request of the city government, the Pro Loco of Dozza and several wine growers. In 1978 Regione Emilia Romagna passed a law defining this Enoteca as the "most suitable instrument for promoting regional wine in Italy and abroad". The Enoteca occupied 1000 m² in the cellars of the Sforza Castle; it displays about 800 labels (not only of wines but also balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil) all produced strictly in Emilia Romagna. Inside you can taste the wine and make purchases.

Imola

Like Dozza, Imola is overlooked by a castle. Built in the 13th century, it is a splendid example of fortified architecture between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. After a long period between the 16th and 20th Century during which it was used as a jail, in 1973 it was reopened to the public. Now it houses a collection of ceramics and weapons and in the summer it is also the gathering place for performances, theater productions, concerts, and outdoor film showings.
Imola is known throughout the world for holding one on the laps of the Formula 1 Championship from 1980 to 2006. The renovation of the motor racing track (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari), to meet the safety regulations imposed by the Italian Olympic Committee, will hopefully soon bring the Granpremio to Imola again.
Even during the Roman period in Imola there was an amphitheater where the bigas (two-horse chariots) raced. Then in the 1950s they started building the motor racing track. In fact racing has always been a passion for Imola and such an event must absolutely be present on its annual calendar.


Marzabotto

Even though this territory presents a recent urbanization, the roots of its history date back to the Etruscan era. On the hills overlooking the town, on the plateau of Misa, the ruins of an ancient Etruscan Acropolis were found. It is now the site of the National Archaeological Museum, [Museo Etrusco Aria].
Marzabotto is also known for its historical events dating back to World War II; here in the autumn of 1944 was one of the worst massacres of civilians by Nazi-fascists. Now on that spot stands the Historical Park of Monte Sole to commemorate that event which should never be forgotten.

Monteveglio

Monteveglio dates back to the Roman era and is divided into two sections: one is a centuries-old neighborhood on the hill and the other, more recent, extends along the foot of the hill. Its old fortress no longer exists but some ruins of the castle can still be seen. Certainly worth a visit is the abbey which, like the church, has been completely restored. Founded in the 11th century, now it is the home of the community of Brothers of St. Francis.
Town Hall is also the headquarters of the Consorzio Vini Colli Bolognesi [Bolognese Hill Wines Consortium] whose goal is to defend and protect the production of DOC wines, spread the cultivation of vineyards to suit the environment, design events for spreading knowledge about and selling the wines produced in this area.