Cappellaccio and Visciolo Festival

The Cappellaccio and Visciolo Festival in Castel Sant'Elia

In the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia region, the village of Castel Sant'Elia (province of Viterbo, Lazio) dedicates a festival every summer to two typical products that tell the story of its rural heritage: cappellaccio and visciolo. The Cappellaccio and Visciolo Festival, organized by the local Pro Loco, returns in 2026 for its sixth edition, scheduled from July 3rd to 5th at Palazzo Coppo, in Piazza Regina Margherita.

Two specialties of the Agro Falisco

The cappellaccio is a type of crepe typical of the Viterbo area, particularly beloved in Castel Sant'Elia: a simple dough of water, flour, milk, and eggs cooked in a pan, versatile enough to be enjoyed both savory and sweet, and in its most traditional version, stuffed with fresh ricotta and a dusting of cinnamon. The visciolo, or viscioli, is a strictly handmade pasta, similar to the classic 'coda di soreca' gnocchi, seasoned according to local recipes. Two humble, authentic dishes that bring back the flavors of Faliscan cuisine and the conviviality of village dining.

The festival program

For three evenings, the food stalls open at 7:30 PM, featuring the two absolute stars of the menu: cappellacci and the tasty visciolo. Each evening is accompanied by music and performances in the square:

• Friday, July 3rd — the energy of the Stranavoglia with the "Live 90 > Today" show, a musical journey from the nineties to the present day.
• Saturday, July 4th — live music with Impronte Live.
• Sunday, July 5th — closing night dedicated to tradition and humor with a performance by Gli Stornelli Attori.

For children, there is a dedicated free-access inflatable play area, making the festival an event suitable for the whole family. Admission to the event is completely free.

The village of Castel Sant'Elia

Perched on a tuff plateau between gorges carved by streams, Castel Sant'Elia is a small town in the Agro Falisco, a short distance from Nepi and Civita Castellana and just over fifty kilometers from Rome. The village is famous for the evocative Sanctuary of Santa Maria ad Rupes, which overlooks the Suppentonia valley and is reached by descending a staircase of 144 steps carved into the rock, and for its ancient vocation as a place of faith. The summer festival is the ideal opportunity to combine a walk through the historic center with the discovery of local cuisine.

A staple of the Viterbo summer

With its simple and genuine atmosphere, the Cappellaccio and Visciolo Festival has carved out a place for itself among the most charming festivals of the summer in the province of Viterbo. Great food, live music, and the welcoming spirit of the Pro Loco make these three evenings a wonderful little moment of celebration for the town and for visitors arriving from all over Lazio.