Ancient Fair of Tornimparte

A tradition spanning over 150 years

The Ancient Fair of Tornimparte is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted rural fairs in Abruzzo. Established in 1868 by the municipal council, it is held every autumn in the village of Villagrande, the administrative heart of the Municipality of Tornimparte, in the province of L'Aquila. The event is historically linked to the religious feast of Our Lady of Sorrows (Madonna dell'Addolorata), the patron saint of the ancient territorial divisions of Villagrande, San Vito, and San Nicola, venerated in the parish church of San Panfilo.

From livestock market to biodiversity showcase

Originally, the fair was primarily a meeting point for breeders, who gathered to trade and sell stall animals in preparation for winter. While the livestock market remains the beating heart of the event, the fair has evolved into a true showcase of local biodiversity, with a special focus on sustainable farming and animal welfare.

Truffles and local produce

Alongside the livestock exhibition, the fair hosts a truffle market and a display of local specialties: cheeses, cured meats, mushrooms, chestnuts, honey, and the food and wine excellence of the L'Aquila mountains. Stalls run by local artisans and agricultural businesses bring the streets of Villagrande to life, offering visitors a journey through authentic flavors within the village alleys.

A rich cultural program

The fair is more than just a market: the days are filled with conferences on heroic viticulture, mountain culture, and the management of common goods, concerts and musical performances in the church of San Panfilo, workshops dedicated to traditional crafts like L'Aquila lace-making, educational initiatives for schools, and cultural walks exploring the history and nature of the area. A blend of rituals, flavors, and community that makes the fair a defining event for the entire district.

Tornimparte and the Abruzzo hinterland

Located just a few kilometers from L'Aquila, at the foot of Monte San Rocco, Tornimparte also houses the famous cycle of frescoes by Saturnino Gatti in the church of San Panfilo, one of the masterpieces of the Abruzzese Renaissance. Visiting the Ancient Fair means immersing yourself in an authentic Abruzzo, defined by rural traditions, mountain landscapes, and a historical-artistic heritage of great value.