Ancient Bell Fair

A millennial tradition along the Via Francigena

The Ancient Bell Fair is one of the most deeply rooted events in the calendar of Acquapendente, in the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia region, in the province of Viterbo and northern Lazio. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, around 1150, when the village was an important stop on the Via Francigena: pilgrims returning from the Holy Land would stop in Acquapendente to sell items and goods brought from the East, creating a lively market for exchange and encounters between different peoples.

Since then, the fair has never stopped evolving, and it is still held every year on the Sunday following Easter, maintaining a deep connection with its long history.

Ceramic bells, the symbol of the fair

The name of the event recalls the small bells that were once hung around the necks of animals to attract the attention of passersby, potential buyers of the goods. Over time, that practical gesture transformed into a true artisanal tradition: today, the undisputed stars are the richly decorated ceramic bells, small works of art that tell the story of the territory's identity and the talent of its artisans.

During the day, it is possible to watch and participate in the bell decoration workshop, an opportunity to get a close-up look at this ancient craft.

The Bell Competition

At the heart of the fair is the Bell Competition, promoted by the Municipality of Acquapendente, which reached its fourteenth edition in 2026. The contest rewards the creativity of artists, potters, decorators, and enthusiasts, with categories also dedicated to young people. A jury of experts evaluates originality, tradition, and the technique of creation and decoration. The winning works become part of the collections of the City Museum.

One of the largest open-air markets in Lazio

Over the centuries, the fair's offerings have expanded, making it one of the largest open-air markets in Lazio. Along the streets and squares of the historic center, about 150 vendors set up with a vast range of products: from clothing to food, from tools to accessories of all kinds, alongside, of course, the artisans' workshops and the stalls selling the famous bells.

Acquapendente and the Viterbo Tuscia

Visiting the Ancient Bell Fair also means discovering Acquapendente and its historic center, a village with an ancient Francigena vocation overlooking the upper Paglia valley. The fair ideally opens the season of major city events and anticipates the famous Pugnaloni Festival, offering residents and visitors a day of tradition, craftsmanship, and conviviality in Lazio.