The street was originally built for defensive purposes to allow soldiers to patrol the village perimeter safely.
The donkeys used to transport gypsum wore blinders to help them navigate the dark, arched tunnel sections of the street.
It is built directly into the side of the hill, making the walkway an integral part of the residential housing structure.
The varying sizes of the arches are a result of the different building phases and structural adaptations over several centuries.
The local gypsum rock used in the construction creates a unique micro-environment that remains cooler than the surrounding open streets.
Via degli Asini, also known as Via del Borgo, is a raised, covered walkway in Brisighella dating back to the 14th century. It consists of an elevated street featuring a series of semi-circular arches of varying sizes that overlook the ancient village. Originally built as a defensive structure, it served as a patrol path for guards protecting the village and the fortress. The name derives from the donkeys that once transported gypsum from the nearby mines along this elevated path. The walkway connects several houses, functioning as a semi-private corridor that remains a central architectural feature of the medieval town. It is constructed primarily from the local gypsum stone characteristic of the Vena del Gesso Romagnola. The elevated position allows pedestrians to look down into the lower street level while remaining sheltered by the upper floors of the buildings. It is a site of significant cultural heritage and a primary landmark for exploring the town's defensive history.
From the middle of the walkway looking through the sequence of semi-circular arches toward the village below.
Visit during the golden hour to see the light filtering through the various archways.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the street has uneven, historical stone paving.
Combine your visit with a hike to the nearby Torre dell'Orologio for a bird's-eye view of the walkway.
Do not attempt to enter private doorways or stairs that lead into the residential units connected to the walkway.
Open year-round; the area is a public street and generally accessible at all times, though interior features are not for public use.
Maintain a quiet tone as this is a residential street and part of private housing structures.
