Dozza Imolese is a quaint village of about 6000, that quietly sits on the rolling pre-Apennine hills outside Bologna. One of FAI’s most beautiful borghi, its name may fail to evoke any memory of important works of art or historical events; but Dozza managed to carve a little space for itself in the book of Italy’s memorable places to see, thanks to its many colorful murals.

Indeed, it is today considered one of the country’s most important centers for “urban art,” that is, the type of visual art created on city walls. Dozza’s medieval alleys and streets host more that 200 mural art pieces, in a sort of open-air museum that adds colors and character to the village.