If a tour through the castle's kitchen has peaked your appetite, you are in luck! Dozza has a good selection of delicious foods. The Via Emilia traces loosely the imaginary butter/olive oil line, which divides the cuisine of Northern Italy, where butter is predominantly used, from that of Central-Southern Italy, where olive oil reigns. So Dozza is a prime position to enjoy the best flavors of both traditions. Also typical of Emilia Romagna is pasta made with egg and flour, producing such delicacies as tagliatelle and tortelli, often served al ragù. The area also produces delicious prosciutto and salami, and grilled hare or steak makes for a tasty second course. To try these local specialties we recommend these restaurants:

Ristorante da Marino - Piazza Rocca 6 (in front of the castle).tel. 0542/678112.
Closed on Wenesdays. Da Marino also has guest rooms available.

Piccola Osteria del Borgo - Via XX Settembre ,19 (the main street). Tel. 0542/678200
closed Monday

C i t y   o f   A r t

The most unusual and refreshing aspect of Dozza is the series of murals which cover many of its buildings. The murals explore a whole range of designs and themes, from challenging social issues to fanciful flights of imagination. Begun in 1960, this project has grown into a biannual festival of modern art in September in which important local and international artists gather in the town to publicly display their talents in mural painting and restoration. In each festival, new scenes are added and some older murals are detached for repair and conservation in the castle. The castle also maintains a collection of sketches and studies used by the muralists in their preparations, allowing the visitor to trace the process from concept to realization.

C i t y   o f   W i n e

Dozza has a rich tradition of enology, beginning with the famous Albana. The storied white wine has been produced for centuries, and was the first white wine in Italy to receive the prestigious D.O.C.G. appellation. Other quality D.O.C labels include the Trebbiano (white), the San Giovese (red), and the Colli di Imola (whites and reds).
The best place to sample these delicious vintages is at the Enoteca Regionale Emilia-Romagna, the regional wine cellar. Founded in 1970, the enoteca is located in the beautifully restored cellars of the Rocca Sforzesca. The offerings includes over 600 labels from 160 different producers, all native to Emilia Romagna. The enoteca offers wines for a range of occasions and palettes, plus dessert liquors and other delicacies. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are helpful, and the enoteca also has an attractive tasting room and bar. From time to time the Enoteca also organizes courses and events designed to familiarize the wine enthusiast with the quality vintages of the region.
The enoteca is open year round, with hours similar to those of the castle itself.
Call them at 0542/678089 to confirm.

D i r e c t i o n s

Contact the town of Dozza at 0542/678116 www.comune.dozza.bo.it
and for the festival of Murals: www.murodipinto.it

Directions:
Dozza is 3 kilometers off the Via Emilia, heading southeast from Bologna and just before Imola. For travelers heading north on the autostrada A14 (Bologna-Ancona), exit at Imola for the Via Emilia. For travelers heading south, exit at Castel San Pietro Terme. You may arrive also by train as close as Imola.