Here is a list of 10 villages in Emilia-Romagna that, due to their historical and architectural heritage and Renaissance cultural climate, can be considered Medici Humanistic Villages. In addition to the reasons for inclusion, you will find tourist information and municipal contacts.

1. Terra del Sole (FC)

  • Reason: Founded by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1564 as an “ideal city”, it has a star-shaped plan, with buildings such as the Palazzo Pretorio and the Church of Santa Reparata that embody Renaissance urban planning principles.
  • Tourism: Discover the defensive structure with the surrounding walls and the parade ground.
  • Population: About 1,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0543 769631
  • Email: info@comune.castrocarotermeeterradelsole.fc.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole

2. Dozza (BO)

  • Reason: Medieval village transformed into a Renaissance center by the Malvezzi-Campeggi family, today home to a biennial festival of mural art.
  • Tourism: The Rocca Sforzesca and the works of art along the streets are the main attractions.
  • Population: About 1,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0542 678192
  • Email: info@comune.dozza.bo.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Dozza

3. Brisighella (RA)

  • Reason: Known for the Rocca Manfrediana, the village combines medieval and Renaissance architecture, making it an important stop on the Sangiovese route.
  • Tourism: Stroll through the village and visit the Clock Tower.
  • Population: About 7,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0546 994411
  • Email: urp@comune.brisighella.ra.it
  • Official website: Comune di Brisighella

4. Castell’Arquato (PC)

  • Reason: Renaissance village that maintains a medieval urban structure with historic buildings such as the Palazzo del Podestà and the Collegiata.
  • Tourism: Visit the Rocca Viscontea and the Torrione Farnese.
  • Population: About 4,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0523 803215
  • Email: info@comune.castellarquato.pc.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Castell’Arquato

5. Fontanellato (PR)

  • Reason: Home to the Rocca Sanvitale, a Renaissance castle with frescoes by Parmigianino.
  • Tourism: Visit the castle and discover the small internal theater.
  • Population: About 7,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0521 823220
  • Email: turismo@comune.fontanellato.pr.it
  • Official website: Comune di Fontanellato

6. Gualtieri (RE)

  • Reason: Famous for the Piazza Bentivoglio, designed in 1500, and for being the residence of the naive painter Antonio Ligabue.
  • Tourism: Explore the Palazzo Bentivoglio and the Ligabue Museum.
  • Population: About 6,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0522 221500
  • Email: info@comune.gualtieri.re.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Gualtieri

7. Vigoleno (PC)

  • Reason: Medieval and Renaissance village, known for its castle with frescoes and patrol walkway.
  • Tourism: Discover the Castle and the Parish Church of San Giorgio.
  • Population: About 200 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0523 895140
  • Email: info@comune.vigoleno.pc.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Vigoleno

8. Compiano (PR)

  • Reason: Medieval fortified village, home to the castle used as a prison during the Renaissance.
  • Tourism: Visit the Compiano Castle, which houses a museum of Freemasonry.
  • Population: About 1,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0525 825539
  • Email: info@comune.compiano.pr.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Compiano

9. Montechiarugolo (PR)

  • Reason: Renaissance village dominated by a castle that preserves paintings and frescoes.
  • Tourism: Discover the legend of the ghost of the Fairy Bema in the castle.
  • Population: About 5,500 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0521 686311
  • Email: urp@comune.montechiarugolo.pr.it
  • Official website: Municipality of Montechiarugolo

10. San Leo (RN)

  • Reason: Renaissance fortress with significant historical elements, linked to the figure of Cagliostro.
  • Tourism: Visit the Rocca di San Leo, with Cagliostro’s prison.
  • Population: About 3,000 inhabitants
  • Telephone: (+39) 0541 926967
  • Email: info@comune.sanleo.rn.it
  • Official website: Municipality of San Leo

These villages bear witness to the Renaissance and humanist influence through architecture, culture and traditions, embodying the concept of the Medici Humanistic Villages.