Bread, Oil and Imagination

Pane, Olio e Fantasia: Extra Virgin Olive Oil takes center stage in Boville Ernica

Pane, Olio e Fantasia is the autumn festival in Boville Ernica, in the province of Frosinone, that celebrates the area's signature product: extra virgin olive oil. Perched at an altitude of nearly 500 meters and surrounded by its iconic eighteen towers, the village is a certified City of Oil, boasting approximately 1,100 hectares of olive groves—an agricultural heritage preserved by generations of Ciociaria millers and farmers.

A village between the Sacco and Liri valleys

Boville Ernica is one of the most charming villages in southern Lazio. From its viewpoint, the gaze sweeps across the Sacco, Cosa, and Liri valleys and the silhouettes of the surrounding mountains. The historic center, a labyrinth of alleys and arches, houses art treasures such as the church of San Pietro Ispano, which holds the Mosaic Angel attributed to Giotto, and the church of San Michele Arcangelo, featuring works by Cavalier d'Arpino and Guido Reni. It is within this setting that the event weaves together gastronomy, culture, and landscape.

The program: mills, stalls, and concerts

During the weekend, the town comes alive with food and wine stalls dedicated to traditional Ciociaria products, from handmade pastas like fini-fini and cecapreti to dishes enhanced by fresh, new-harvest oil. The main offerings typically include:

• Guided tours of oil mills and the Oil Museum, which houses an ancient milling system and artifacts of local olive oil culture
• Stalls featuring local products and extra virgin olive oil tastings in Piazza Sant'Angelo
• Evening concerts and musical performances in the heart of the village
• Children's workshops, such as the popular 'Oil on the tables of the Ancient Romans'
• Conferences and meetings on the olive oil supply chain, with historic center restaurants offering themed menus

The 'Oil of the Popes' and olive heritage

Boville Ernica leads the 'Path of Oil in the Ancient Lands of the Popes' project. The local oil, dubbed the 'Oil of the Popes', has been accredited by the Holy See, confirming the quality of a production rooted in the history of Ciociaria. Attending Pane, Olio e Fantasia means not only tasting an excellent product but also understanding the deep bond between an entire town and olive cultivation.

A family-friendly event in Lazio

With its blend of flavors, music, art, and nature, Pane, Olio e Fantasia is designed for families, food and wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for an authentic village experience. The event, which takes place in autumn between October and November during the milling season, is one of the most significant highlights of the calendar in Boville Ernica and the entire province of Frosinone, Lazio.