Castelli e Castagne

Castelli e Castagne: Autumn in the village of Bracciano

Castelli e Castagne is the festival that celebrates the arrival of autumn in Bracciano, located in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the heart of the Lazio region. Every year, on an October weekend, Piazza Mazzini—also known as Piazza del Castello because it opens up right in front of the majestic Castello Orsini-Odescalchi—and the streets of the historic center come alive with the colors, scents, and flavors of the season. The event is organized by the Associazione Rione Monti in collaboration with La Compagnia del Castello, a historical re-enactment group that brings the charm of the Middle Ages to the square.

Roasted chestnuts, the stars of the show

The chestnut is the absolute protagonist of the event. Throughout the two days, the square fills with the unmistakable scent of freshly roasted caldarroste, served alongside a good glass of wine. It is the flavor that best captures the autumn of the Monti Sabatini and the territory surrounding Lake Bracciano, where chestnut harvesting has always been a seasonal ritual.

A dive into the medieval atmosphere

Thanks to the presence of the Compagnia del Castello, Piazza Mazzini is transformed into a charming medieval village. A themed market offers artisanal products, local gastronomic specialties, and historically inspired items, while the setting recreates the allure of an ancient village at the foot of the castle. It is a perfect opportunity to relive the ancient soul of Bracciano among stalls and costumed performers.

The Taverna delli Monti

The gastronomic heart of the festival is the Taverna delli Monti, which offers a traditional menu with hearty and convivial dishes: spelt and chickpea soup with chard, traveler's polenta with pork, lamb skewers, sausage and ventricina, wild chicory with cannellini beans, and, to finish, sweet or savory pizzacas. A culinary journey designed to accompany your strolls through the historic center and long breaks in the square.

A village overlooking the lake

Bracciano is one of the most fascinating villages in Lazio, dominated by the Castello Orsini-Odescalchi and overlooking its namesake volcanic lake. Visiting Castelli e Castagne also means discovering a historic center filled with ancient churches, narrow alleys, and glimpses of the lake, just over forty kilometers from Rome. It is the perfect autumn getaway for families, blending good food, popular traditions, and landscapes steeped in history.