Italy offers without a doubt some of the most beautiful cities in Europe like Rome, Venice, Bologna, and Florence. But when I am thinking Italian countryside, I am imagining picturesque villages far away from the loud tourist crowds. Small hilltop villages with medieval buildings, a fortress and stunning views of hilly terrain with vineyards and olive trees. I found a place exactly like that. It’s called Brisighella.

Brisighella is what Italians call a “Borgo”: a charming medieval small village built around a castle or palace, generally surrounded by walls. Borgo (plural borghi) are a symbol of Italian culture with cultural heritage and traditions. There are 260 of them spread from north to the south.