What could be more romantic than a village surrounded by vineyards and overlooked by an imposing medieval fortress? We are in the land of the Castles of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza that is dotted with mansions full of timeless charm.

Not by chance called the ‘Borgo degli Innamorati’ (Lovers’ Village), Castell’Arquato is the ideal place for a Valentine’s Day with your loved one. The backdrop to your day will be the charming alleys of the centre, the hills of the Val d’Arda and the magnificent square overlooked by the Rocca Viscontea, the Collegiata and the Palazzo del Podestà.

If you fancy a guided tour, you can take part in one of Valentine’s Day tours for couples organized by the town, a nice opportunity to discover the town’s main attractions and the legends that still hover in the streets, as well as taste typical local products.

A few kilometres from Bologna lies one of the most picturesque medieval villages in Emilia-Romagna. Dozza is located on the ridge of a hill overlooking the Sellustra river valley and gently descending towards the Via Emilia.

If you love art and unusual villages, Dozza is definitely the place for you. Known as the town of the painted wall, its alleys are full of surprises: since the 1960s, artists from all over the world have gathered here to paint the walls of houses, creating an open-air gallery.

But Dozza is not only art. The Rocca Sforzesca fortress is home to the Enoteca Regionale and its wine bar, the ideal place to seal your love with a toast.

The splendid Romagna hamlet of Brisighella, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, certainly deserves a place in our list of the perfect destinations for your Valentine’s Day in Emilia-Romagna.

Have you ever walked the Via degli Asini (Donkeys Alley)? If not, all you have to do is take your sweetheart by the hand and stroll on this unique route. It is a covered, elevated road, once used by the cart drivers and their donkeys (hence the name) to connect the village to the nature park above.

Charming and romantic both day and night, walking under its arches will create the perfect atmosphere for your Valentine’s Day!

Brisighella is set at the foot of three hills dominated by the Rocca, the Clock Tower and the Monticino Sanctuary. We also recommend the panoramic tree-lined path that leads from the Rocca to the Torre dell’Orologio for a romantic walk.

Our last tip for your Valentine’s Day in Emilia-Romagna and its villages is Verucchio, in the Rimini area, not far from the Romagna Riviera.

An Etruscan scenic village rising above the Valmarecchia valley, Verucchio will certainly amaze you with its splendid mediaeval architecture.

The famous Rocca Malatestiana fortress – also known as Rocca del Sasso due to its dominant position on top of a rock – will offer you a perfect panoramic view of the surrounding area. The best time to appreciate it? Obviously sunset, while you embrace your soul mate.