Bassiano Prosciutto Festival

A historic festival in the heart of the Lepini Mountains

The Bassiano Prosciutto Festival is one of the most anticipated summer events in the province of Latina. Organized by the Municipality of Bassiano together with the local Pro Loco, with the support of the Lazio Region and Arsial, the event has been celebrating the territory's signature cured meat in the charming medieval village of the Lepini Mountains for over half a century. Every year, at the end of July, the stone alleys and small squares of the historic center fill with food stalls, aromas, and visitors from all over Lazio.

Prosciutto di Bassiano, the prince of Lazio's cured meats

The absolute star is the Prosciutto di Bassiano, considered one of the finest raw hams in Italy. Its secret lies in the village's microclimate, the highest in the province at 650 meters above sea level: the cool winds from the oak and beech forests and the perfect humidity level allow for natural aging, traditionally carried out with the windows open so that the hams can "breathe" the mountain air. The recipe involves artisanal processing with sea salt, garlic, wine from the Agro Pontino, pepper, and a light smoking with beech wood, which gives the meat its unmistakable aroma.

Three days of taste, culture, and tradition

The program combines gastronomy and local heritage. Highlights include:

• Guided tastings of prosciutto and local specialties, accompanied by cheese, oil, bread, and wine;
• Visits to curing houses and farms to discover the secrets of the aging process;
• Show cooking and conferences dedicated to product excellence and the Mediterranean diet;
• Guided tours of the village, the Sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso along the Via Francigena, and the most evocative spots in Bassiano;
• Live music and performances in the evenings, with food stands managed by the Pro Loco;
• Entertainment and traditional games for children.

Bassiano, a village waiting to be discovered

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit Bassiano, a medieval village with a characteristic spiral layout that climbs toward the top of the hill. Still surrounded by its walls, the town was the birthplace around 1449 of Aldo Manuzio, the humanist and printer considered the father of modern publishing. Nearby, you can find the Templar Cave and the trails of the Lepini Mountains, for a weekend that weaves together fine dining, history, and nature in the heart of Lazio.